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 1:30 pm Eastern (12:30 pm Central) time. These virtual webinars are delivered via Zoom. Click the “Register” button below a presentation to sign up.
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
Soybean Gall Midge: Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a New Pest in Soybean
October 11, 2023
Abstract: Soybean gall midge was identified in 2019 as a new pest of soybean. As a new species there is limited knowledge on its biology and ecology. A series of field studies were conducted to understand its distribution in the soil profile, larval dispersal from infested plants, the spatial distribution of the pest in the field, and temporal abundance of cocoons in the soil over the growing season. The results provide clientele with the baseline information necessary to implement management strategies.
Presenter
Justin McMechan
Assistant Professor, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Justin McMechan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has been with UNL since 2016. His research focuses primarily on soybean gall midge, a new species causing injury to soybean in the Midwest. Other research areas include cover crops management tactics and arthropod interactions as well as hail damage in row crops.
Upcoming Topics
- Nov. 15, 2023: NCIPMC Overview of Michigan State University grant
Recent Webinars and Recordings
Incorporating The Plant-Based Antifungal Agent Poacic Acid Into An Integrated Disease Management Program In Turfgrass
July 19, 2023
Abstract: A plant-based antifungal agent called Poacic Acid was recently developed by Dr. Mehdi Kabbage and others at the University of Wisconsin – Madison that has shown promise in plant disease suppression. In this presentation we will discuss the efficacy of poacic acid as a plant-based fungicide and potential future uses for the product.
Presenter
Paul Koch
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Paul Koch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and has been with UW in various roles since 2005. Paul’s research focuses primarily on developing precision disease management strategies for snow mold and dollar spot in turfgrass, investigating the fate and impact of turfgrass pesticides in the environment, and the turfgrass microbiome.
Youth Pollinator Education and Action
June 21, 2023
Abstract: Youth Pollinator Education and Action is a program to educate youth of all ages (K-12) about pollinator biology, importance, and conservation. Our multi-state working group has created age-appropriate lessons for each grade that meet our pollinator education goals and align with Next Generation Science Standards. In this webinar you can learn more about the topics and experiences available in this free curriculum and discover ways to incorporate them into your own educational programs. You’ll also learn about our free online training series to learn how to facilitate the lessons and discuss options for in-person training.
Presenters
Maya Hayslett
Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Maya Hayslett is an extension specialist at Iowa State University for Ag and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Iowa State University and her master’s degree in Plant Pathology from the University of Minnesota. Her extension program provides educational experiences in crop science fields for youth in Iowa and beyond. This includes writing and reviewing curricula, planning statewide and regional events and programs, providing resources and support for extension staff, as well as working directly with youth across the state.
Lynne Campbell
Education Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Lynne Campbell is a STEM professional development specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, working on projects that support the development and implementation of STEM-focused learning experiences for both youth and adults. She supports outreach efforts related to research happening at Iowa State University (ISU) and works closely with ISU researchers, extension staff on campus and across Iowa, and K-12 educators to implement STEM teaching and learning experiences.
Related links
The Tick IPM Working Group
May 17, 2023
Abstract: Co-Director Scott Larson will discuss the recent successes of the Tick IPM Working Group including the monthly webinars they host, the annual ‘Tick Academy,’ work on creating and updating national pest alerts for ticks, and a short summary of currently available tick control measures.
Presenter
Scott Larson
Co-Director
Tick IPM Working Group
Scott Larson grew up in the Midwest and received his PhD in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he researched ticks and tick-borne diseases in the forests of northern Wisconsin. Scott worked as a postdoc at the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-borne Disease studying tick control on residential properties. Currently, he is the Assistant Entomologist at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District where he guides surveillance efforts for adult mosquitoes across the Twin Cities. He has been involved with the Tick IPM Working Group for many years and is excited to utilize this group to advance tick surveillance and tick control research and outreach.
Related links
The IPM Institute: Advancing IPM in Urban Areas
April 19, 2023
Abstract: More than 82% of United States residents live in urban areas. Current trends, however, indicate that IPM will not keep pace with rising urban populations as more urban entomologists retire and funding for urban entomology progressively decreases. In this Pests and Progress webinar, the IPM Institute of North America’s Sustainable Communities Manager, Ryan Anderson, details the crucial role urban IPM plays in slowing structural and ecosystem damage caused by pests and weeds. Anderson recognizes the importance of NCIPM funding for critical urban IPM projects of the School IPM Working Group, the Public Tick IPM Working Group and the Midwest Grows Green Lawn & Land Forum.
Presenter
Ryan Anderson
Sustainable Communities Manager
IPM Institute of North America
Ryan Anderson is the Sustainable Communities Manager for the 501(c)3 non-profit IPM Institute of North America. A 2016 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Fellow, Ryan has extensive experience advancing science-based solutions in urban and residential communities highlighted by his leadership of Midwest Grows Green (MGG) sustainable landscaping initiative. Ryan has a Masters of Sustainable Solutions from Arizona State University and holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and Electronic Journalism from Butler University.
Related links
Lawn & Land Forum
MGG Technical Assistance Program
Green Shield Certified for Landscapes
Pest Defense
Tick IPM
Past Webinars
- 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: Successes, Challenges and a Balanced Way Forward
- 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 (Crops, Pollinators, Housing and School IPM)
- 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
