LONG-TERM OUTCOMES & IMPACTS OF THE ALABAMA VEGETABLE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Ayanava Majumdar
Extension Professor, State Leader for Program Evaluation
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
AUBURN
Abstract
In Alabama, vegetable production is worth $20 million and is one of the fastest growing agriculture industries. The number one issue for vegetable producers is insect pest. Most vegetables have nearly zero tolerance for insects due to direct loss of marketable produce and risk of contamination. Therefore, major objectives for the vegetable integrated pest management (IPM) Extension program are to provide rapid information about insect outbreaks to producers and to increase IPM adoption rate for economic benefit. Prior to the Extension campaign (2008), the IPM adoption rate was about 40% (based on Extension surveys conducted statewide). From 2009-2012, nine grants from state, federal and industrial sources provided over $2.4 million in vegetable research and Extension programs resulting in an intensive IPM campaign that has benefited producers. The Regional Extension Agents (REAs) have functioned as the catalysts in changing knowledge and behavior of producers resulting in 8-10% rise in IPM adoption levels each year. Over 2,500 vegetable famers, gardeners and small producers have directly received IPM training via 56 presentations, 18 workshops, 54 newsletters, various news releases & bulletins, websites and social media channels. The IPM traveling exhibit has reached 7,000+ audiences in multiple states. The current IPM adoption is 70% among vegetable producers, and nearly 80% producers are using Extension publications for decision-making. Farmers who were having tremendous difficulties in identifying and controlling insect pests are now reporting significant increase in their confidence level in IPM. The IPM campaign has also reduced major barriers to IPM adoption, like lack of awareness and lack of accessibility to information, by 13-15%. Based on findings from Extension evaluations, the impact of this IPM project is estimated to be about $1.5 million due to savings from using economic thresholds and reduced insecticides, more emphasis on cultural control practices, and the conservation of natural enemies.
Authors: Majumdar, A. Z.
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Majumdar, A. Z. Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36532