Webinars
Check out the Pests & Progress monthly webinars to keep up with the latest research related to integrated pest management (IPM). Webinars are hosted by the North Central IPM Center and are held virtually the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm Eastern/12:00 pm Central time. These virtual webinars are delivered via Zoom. Click the “Register” button below a presentation to sign up.
**Please note new time!**
Previous webinars are all available for viewing on the North Central IPM Center YouTube Channel.
Interested in presenting? Please complete this form and we will reach out to you for more information!
Our Next Pests & Progress Webinar
We hope you will join us for the next Pests and Progress webinar! Be sure to sign up to receive the link. Thank you for your interest, and we hope you will share details with your network!
Breeding Efforts to Curb Cucurbit Downy Mildew
Abstract:
Edmund Frost from Twin Oaks Seed Farm has been breeding winter squash, cucumber, and melon in Central Virginia since 2013, with downy mildew resistance as one of the main goals. During the webinar called, “Breeding Efforts to Curb Cucurbit Downy Mildew,” Frost will talk about his work with each of these crops, the varieties he has developed, and what lies ahead.
This webinar qualifies for 0.5 CCA Integrated Pest Management CEU for live attendees.
Presenter
Edmund Frost
Common Wealth Seed Growers
Upcoming Topics
- February 18, 2026: Genetic biocontrol of screwworm and SWD
- March 18, 2026: Pesticide Risk Tool: Understanding risk and measuring impact
- April 15, 2026: Tick Tech: Predictive Models and Bot-Assisted Management
Recent Webinars and Recordings
Spying on Insects with the Insect Eavesdropper
November 19, 2025
Explore the hidden world of insect communication and feeding behavior! Discover how the Insect Eavesdropper uses advanced contact microphones to capture the secret sounds and vibrations insects make as they munch plants.
Emily Bick, University of Wisconsin-Madison
IPM Strategies for Reducing Insect Pest Damage in Midwest Blueberries
October 15, 2025
IPM programs in blueberry have been disrupted by the invasive spotted-wing drosophila over the past decade, requiring a significant increase in control inputs. To reduce economic and environmental costs of these programs, we have partnered with research colleagues and growers to develop new IPM tools to help growers address this pest. This presentation will review the potential for new cultural and biological controls based on research in Michigan blueberry plantings, and how they can be integrated into current production systems.
Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University
IPM Network – Measuring Capacity, Framing the Future
September 17, 2025
This presentation highlights the continued need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and outlines strategic goals for strengthening the public IPM enterprise. Despite shifts to competitive funding following the 2008 Farm Bill, a national network of 53 state programs and 4 regional centers has been maintained. The focus now is on enhancing collaboration, improving infrastructure, increasing IPM awareness, and expanding involvement beyond traditional pest disciplines. Efforts such as capacity benchmarking and infrastructure surveys aim to identify current assets and opportunities for improvement. By delivering timely, relevant information and investing in education and outreach, the IPM network seeks to protect people and the environment more effectively.
Daren Mueller, Iowa State University
Soybean Aphids are Resistant to Pyrethroids, Now What?
July 16, 2025
Farmers are facing a return of soybean aphid infestations, especially in Iowa. One contributing factor to these outbreaks is the resistance of aphids to the most commonly used insecticides, pyrethroids. Dr. O’Neal summarizes more than three years of field data, revealing how common insecticide-resistant soybean aphids are and options for managing them.
Matt O’Neal, Iowa State University
Integrating Long-Lasting Insecticide Netting into IPM Programs after Harvest
June 18, 2025
Learn how Dr. Morrison’s team is changing pest control with long-lasting insecticide netting (LLIN). Their research shows that LLINs can significantly reduce the need for fumigation, cut down pest damage, and even improve how well other insecticides work. LLINs are effective even in challenging, dusty food environments. Watch the recording to see highlights from this extensive project.
Rob Morrison, USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research
Development of Laser Weed Control Robot for Sustainable Farming
May 21, 2025
This webinar provided a comprehensive overview of the development work on a laser weed control robot at Middle Tennessee State University. The presentation demonstrated the advancements made in the project, shared valuable experiences and lessons learned during its evolution, and facilitated a discussion around the open challenges that remained in this cutting-edge approach to weed management.
Hongbo Zhang, Middle Tennessee State University
Past Webinars
- Optimizing Drone Applications for Disease Management
- Pollinator-Safe Fungicides: Floral Microbial Biocontrol of Anthracnose in Blueberry
- Innovative Approaches in Phytopathometry, Epidemiology, and Microbiology: Focus on Corn Tar Spot
- New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins
- Asiatic Garden Beetle as an Emerging Pest of Corn
- Phomopsis stem canker of sunflower - is fungicide resistance becoming an emerging problem?
- Using Social Network Analysis to Understand Pest Management Practices of Vegetable Growers in the Great Lakes Region of North America
- Back to Basics on Endangered Species Conservation
- Urban Farm Resources Developed by the Great Lakes Urban Ag Working Group
- Ecological epidemiology of the invasive Asian longhorned tick: insights from Ohio
- Crop Advisors' Perspectives on Pesticide Resistance Management
- Highlights and impacts of the 2018-22 USDA/NIFA North Central Integrated Pest Management Center
- Soybean Gall Midge: Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a New Pest in Soybean
- Incorporating The Plant-Based Antifungal Agent Poacic Acid Into An Integrated Disease Management Program In Turfgrass
- Youth Pollinator Education and Action
- The Tick IPM Working Group
- The IPM Institute: Advancing IPM in Urban Areas
- Cooperative Extension in Indigenous Communities: Experiences of Extension Educators
- Trapping and development of degree day model for Missouri Berry Crops
- Saving money and pesticides for apple growers with new spray technology and warning systems
- SDS Risk and Management
- Organic Management Tactics for Cucurbit Crops
- Creating a Regional Trapping Network for Corn Rootworm Adults
- South Dakota Integrated Pest Management Program Highlights
- Multistate Extension: The Crop Protection Network
- Michigan State University IPM Program Highlights
- EIP Highlights for North Dakota
- From Bees to Beans a Five Part Review of the OSU IPM Program
- Region-wide Surveys and Pest Forecasting for Advancing Minnesota IPM
- Navigating the Waters of IPM Educational Programming
- Adapting the Wisconsin IPM Program to the New Normal in Outreach Delivery
- Illinois IPM program Highlights and Future Directions
- Missouri IPM Highlights
- Developing a Novel Mechanical Strategy for Control of Billbug
- Indiana EIP Project Highlights
- Nebraska EIP Project Highlights
- Using Research-Based Solutions for Integrated Management of White Mold in Soybeans
- A Push-Pull Strategy to Manage Stable Flies
- When invasive pests disrupt IPM - responding to gall wasp outbreak in highbush blueberries
- Diversifying IPM after harvest: The promise of implementing insecticide netting to protect stored product