Connection

For three years, researchers, extension specialists, and growers in Iowa, New York, and Kentucky, funded by NIFA’s OREI program, have been exploring new options for the organic management of cucurbit crops using mesotunnels. Register for this free webinar to benefit from what has been learned.  

Mesotunnels are larger than low tunnels but smaller than high tunnels. They are 3 ½ feet tall and are covered with a nylon-mesh fabric that keeps out pest insects and the pathogens they carry. 

Field experiments and on-farm trials with muskmelon and winter squash have had varied results: some encouraging, some not. But valuable lessons have emerged about how to use these protective structures effectively.

The October 12th webinar will cover two main topics related to organic cucurbit production under mesotunnels: weed management and pollination.

Pollination is essential for cucurbit crops. Three options have been tested with mesotunnels: on-off-on (removing the covers during bloom), open ends (only the ends were opened during bloom), and full-season mesotunnels supplied with bumblebee hives. 

For weed management, several options have been used, including landscape fabric, as well as mowed and non-mowed living mulches. 

Register now to receive the webinar link to “Organic Management Tactics for Cucurbit Crops,” which will be held Wednesday, October 12 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm EDT (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm CDT). 

Ashley Dean, Education Extension Specialist from Iowa State University, will share, “Creating a Regional Trapping Network for Corn Rootworm Adults,” at the next Pests and Progress Webinar on Wednesday, August 17, at 1:30 pm ET (12:30 pm CT).

Corn rootworm is a serious economic pest of corn throughout the North Central region, and this pest can be persistent, especially in areas with continuous corn production. Management continues to be challenging as corn rootworms readily adapt to limited management strategies.

In 2021, a network was established that included university, industry, and government personnel from 12 states and 5 provinces to provide a unified message about corn rootworm management and to develop a shared protocol for monitoring corn rootworm adults across our wide geography. The goals of the trapping network are to increase scouting efforts in corn, understand changes across years, and identify any trends across the region. This trapping effort is ongoing. Join this webinar to hear highlights from the 2021 trapping network and to learn how to get involved.

Please register to receive the link to this free online presentation.

The July Pests and Progress Webinar featured Philip Rozeboom from South Dakota State University. Rozeboom shared, “South Dakota Integrated Pest Management Program Highlights,” and the recording is available on the North Central IPM Center YouTube Channel.

The third annual Tick Academy will be held in June instead of September. Join in person in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Register now to attend.

Highlights of the full day workshop include

• A field demonstration of tick collection and tick control methods, by Scott Larson (PhD)
• How to set up a tick surveillance program, Jon Oliver (PhD)
• A Tick-borne diseases presentation, Jon Oliver (PhD)
• Tick identification using a microscope, Scott Larson (PhD)

The Tick Academy is organized by the Public Tick IPM Working Group, and the complete agenda is available on the Working Group’s website.

The early registration discount ends June 10.  All participants will receive a certificate of completion. If interested in CEUs, please contact Leah McSherry.