July 2024 Central Issue

North Central IPM Center Updates

August Webinar: Phomopsis Stem Canker of Sunflower – Is Fungicide Resistance Becoming an Emerging Problem?

The next “Pests and Progress” webinar will feature Dr. Febina Mathew, associate professor from North Dakota State University. Dr. Mathew’s presentation is called, “Phomopsis Stem Canker of Sunflower – Is Fungicide Resistance Becoming an Emerging Problem?”

Phomopsis stem canker is a disease that affects sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) and causes significant yield losses. Farmers are currently managing Phomopsis stem canker with fungicides that contain Quinone outside Inhibitor (QoI). However, there has been confirmed resistance to QoI in the causal fungus, Diaporthe helianthi. Field trials conducted in Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota in 2022 and 2023 assessed new fungicide chemistries and application timings, and Dr. Mathew will share the results.

This webinar will be held on Wednesday, August 21 at 1:30 pm ET (12:30 pm CT). “Pests and Progress” webinars are free, and more details are on the North Central IPM Center website.

Webinar Recording: Back to Basics on Endangered Species Conservation

Dr. Adam Janke, associate professor and wildlife extension specialist at Iowa State University, provided a descriptive introduction of endangered species, population monitoring, and ways to support the growth of a population. Spoiler alert: habitat is usually essential, whether that means expanding it or protecting it. Specific examples of endangered species and conservation efforts make concepts relatable and easy to understand.

Dr. Janke also shares an overview of how the US Fish and Wildlife Service determines whether a species is threatened or endangered.

Check out the full recording for a concise foundation about why the US Environmental Protection Agency must make changes to pesticide rules to avoid interfering with efforts to protect threatened and endangered species.

Webinar Recording: Using Social Network Analysis to Understand Pest Management Practices of Vegetable Growers in the Great Lakes Region

The July “Pests and Progress” webinar featured a combination of topics that provided an in-depth understanding of how social networks between growers and extension professionals influence the pest management strategies that are (or aren’t) used.

Dr. Elizabeth Long, assistant professor and extension specialist from Purdue University, began by sharing details about carrot weevils; their impacts on parsley, carrot and celery production in the Great Lakes region; and IPM strategies that are either not working or are not being fully utilized by farmers.

Dr. Carlo Moreno, assistant professor of environmental studies at the College of Wooster, followed with an enlightening presentation that described factors that affect whether farmers adopt new pest management practices. Specialty crop farmers were surveyed about their crops, their pest management methods and where they seek advice for managing pests. This social network analysis revealed interesting insights into how we can encourage use of IPM practices, along with how to identify the influencers who can amplify the message.

Watch the recording to learn more about carrot weevils, social network analysis and how to start your own social network analysis of communication patterns in your area.

North Central IPM Center Partners with Snopes to Debunk Viral Video

Are there weevils in that Oreo cookie? A recent TikTok video went viral by showing a microscopic view of weevils and mites infesting an unfortunate Oreo cookie. Don’t let this video affect your appetite for Oreos. Snopes.com invited Dr. Laura Iles, director of the North Central IPM Center, to share her expertise and impression of the video.

Dr. Iles carefully reviewed the footage and found traces of mold on the cookie, suggesting that it was not a new cookie fresh from a package. Also, the way the weevil was entrenched in the cookie’s frosting was not likely to occur naturally since the weevils would not be interested in eating or laying eggs in the frosting. While the weevils and the cookie were real, it seems the video was a bit staged to increase public interest and social media shares.

North Central IPM Center Tackles Transboundary Pests at International Congress

Staff from the North Central IPM Center joined representatives from seven other collaborative networks at the recent International Plant Protection Congress in Athens, Greece. The symposium, titled “Networking Tools to Manage Transboundary Pests,” brought together leading experts to discuss strategies for combating pests that disregard state and international borders.
The session featured presentations from organizations like GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds), the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Coalition, the Tactical Sciences Coordination Network (TSN), the National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative (NPMTI), and the Crop Protection Network (CPN). These experts shared valuable insights into their experiences and the importance of collaboration in tackling large-scale pest issues.
The symposium acknowledged the challenges associated with building and maintaining successful networks. Communication gaps, differing priorities, resource limitations, and resistance to change can all hinder progress. However, the presentations also offered promising solutions.
Networks like GROW and CPN empower farmers and agricultural professionals by providing them with current, research-based resources. The NPDN plays a critical role in safeguarding plant health through rapid and accurate diagnoses, enabling swift responses to emerging threats. The SCN Coalition, a successful public-private partnership, demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration in addressing large-scale pest problems.
A significant boost to the fight against transboundary pests comes from the National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative (NPMTI). This collaboration of pathologists and researchers from 26 states proactively tackles plant diseases before they devastate crops and the nation’s food supply.
The symposium also highlighted the Tactical Sciences Coordination Network (TSN), which fosters collaboration among university programs dedicated to plant and animal biosecurity. Additionally, Iowa State University’s Brandon Kleinke presented on the exciting potential of YouTube as a platform for disseminating state-level Integrated Pest Management (IPM) knowledge in an engaging way.
The importance of regional collaboration was further emphasized by a presentation from North Central IPM Center’s own Lynnae Jess. Jess discussed the role of working groups and Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) within Regional IPM Centers. These groups bring together researchers, extension specialists, industry representatives, and growers to develop targeted solutions for specific pest challenges.
By openly discussing challenges and sharing best practices, the symposium equipped attendees with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of network building. This, in turn, strengthens our global response system against transboundary pests. As we move forward, international collaboration through these powerful networks stands as a testament to our collective will to protect our planet’s agricultural resources and ecosystems.

How to Choose the Best Mosquito Control Products for Your Home

Along with bug bites and itching, mosquitoes can spread diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. Did you know that your efforts can make a difference? Learn how you can reduce mosquito populations near your home and discourage adults from stopping by for a snack.

New Episodes—I See Dead Plants Podcasts

• Beam Me Up!: Giant Starship Elements and Fungal Genomes Part 1
  Interviewees: Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor and Dr. Emile Gluck-Thaler, assistant professor, both from The Ohio State University
• Beam Me Up!: Giant Starship Elements and Fungal Genomes Part 2
  Interviewees: Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor and Dr. Emile Gluck-Thaler, assistant professor, both from The Ohio State University
• What is Integrated Pest Management Revisited: Insights from My Mom
  Interviewees: Barbara Zaworski and Aunt Linda Goltz