NE PMC Insider
Internal newsletter of the Northeastern Pest Management Center.
Issue 10, April 2002
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NE PMC InsiderInternal newsletter of the Northeastern Pest Management Center. Issue 10, April 2002 |
Starting with this issue, we are changing the way we may the NE PMC Insider available. The latest issue will be available at two locations.
A web page with the address http://nepmc.org/insider/current.html will always hold the most recent issue. Content of this page will change on approximately a monthly basis, i.e. with each update.
Each issue will also continue to have its own unique location. The naming convention for these will be http://nepmc.org/insider/mmmyyyy.html, where "mmm" is 3 letter abbreviation for the month and "yyyy" is four digit year designation.
We will try to maintain an index of past issues at http://nepmc.org/insider/
With this issue we have tried a different way of linking the table of contents, in hopes that readers will be able to go directly from the table of contents listing in an email notification to a particular item. Please contact Jim if this does not work for you.
Northeast
- New York
- Community IPM funds (mostly) Restored
- New Fruit IPM Coordinator Juliet Carroll
- New England Pest Management Network Stakeholder Meeting
- Maryland
- Use of Insecticides in Mixed Alfalfa Stands
- New Issue of "Pesticide Notes"
- Delaware
- New PAT Module on Worker Protection
- New Issue of "Pesticide Briefs"
- Maine
- School IPM Workshop
- American Lung Association Safe and Healthy Schools Project
- Dept. Ag. Program: "Production Risk Strategies for High Value and Specialty Crop"
- Conference: "Working with Organic Farmers: Enhancing Agency Involvement in the Northeast"
- New Process for Some NESARE Grant Proposals
- EPA Region II Strategic Ag. Initiative RFP
- NE PMC activities
National
Community IPM Funds
Mike Hoffmann, Director of the New York IPM Program, reports that $300,000 has been appropriated by New York State in the FY 2002 budget to fund the community IPM effort. Last year this funding was $350,000. As result of the 9/11 crisis all funding for this project had been in jeopardy.
New Fruit IPM Coordinator
topJuliet Carroll started as NY's Fruit IPM Coordinator on March 1. Juliet's office is in the IPM House on the Geneva campus. For more information, check her web page.
The New England Pest Management Center held its first stakeholder meeting in Portsmouth, NH on April 3. A group of approximately 35 included representatives from all 6 New England states, growers, PCOs, lawn care providers, land grant, EPA, state agencies and environmental groups. Learn more about this project at the project website, Pronewengland.org
Use of Insecticides in Mixed Alfalfa Stands
Amy Brown's recent email on reported misuse resulting from pesticides applied on mixed stands is very timely, considering the extraordinary pest problems with aphids and timothy rust mites that are or may occur on pastures and mixed stands of alfalfa. The rust mites are particularly abundant on timothy this spring since they were able to freely reproduce and develop during the mild winter months. Many timothy fields have high mite densities, and I’m sure that there are also infestations of mites in mixed stands of alfalfa and timothy. Furthermore, as you may know, a complex of aphid species, including greenbug, reached above normal population levels during the fall in small grains and there have been reports of unusual aphid infestations in pasture grasses as well. Thus, the potential exists for outbreak levels of these aphids this spring, especially if the weather stays cool enough to slow the activity of aphid predators.
The point of this message is that there is a good chance that pest management decisions will be made on mixed stands of forage or pasture crops, and thus we must be careful when making insecticide recommendations. For instance, many insecticides are labeled for alfalfa, such as Warrior and Furadan, probably the most common ones used, but few products are labeled for grasses and other legumes. Warrior and other insecticides are also used to control aphids on small grains. However, according to EPA, each crop of a mixed stand of pasture or forage must be identified on the label as a use site. Thus, an application of an insecticide registered for alfalfa only to a mixed stand of alfalfa/clover/grass would be a use inconsistent with the label, irrespective of the percentage of the stand consisting of alfalfa. Insecticides registered on alfalfa/clover/grass mixtures that may be effective against alfalfa weevil and other pests include carbaryl (Sevin 80S, Sevin XLR), malathion, and methomyl (Lannate). Also, under a section 18 registration, carbaryl (Sevin XLR PLUS) can be used in MD, DE, and PA to control timothy rust mites on timothy. Label instructions for this special use are as follows. Apply 3 pts per acre (1.5 pounds ai per acre) with ground equipment only with adequate water for complete coverage (20 or more gallons by ground). One application should provide enough suppression to prevent economic yield and quality losses. Apply at approximately 3-4 weeks after green-up in fields with a previous history of rust mites and/or when 25% of the plant tillers exhibit curled tips of the new leaf blades. You should be checking for mites and the early signs of infested leaves which tend to curl and show a rusting appearance. These mites are microscopic, so the use of a 20x magnifying lens is necessary or you can collect and bring leaf samples to the local Extension Office for identification.
(written by Galen Dively, provided by Sandra Sardanelli, University of Maryland)
New Issue of Pesticide Notes
The March issue of Maryland's newsletter, Pesticide Notes, has been posted on the Pesticide education and Assessment Program web site (http://pesticide.umd.edu).
Submitted by Amy Brown
New PAT Module on Worker Protection
Worker Protection has been cited as a concern by EPA for several pesticides being examined under the new requirements of FQPA. The University of Delaware has added a new training module to Pesticide Applicator Training designed to reduce pesticide exposure during mixing, loading, and application. This module was adapted from that developed by Kerry Richards at Penn State. During March, 2002, 76 applicators attended training and participated in the new module. Six applicators were chosen from each class. Half were dressed in protective coveralls and disposable foot wear. Half remained in their street clothes. A "pesticide" mixture was made from grape nuts cereal and a fluorescent dye and placed in a spreader. Each applicator made a short "pesticide" application outdoors as the class observed. After returning inside, a black light was used to show "pesticide" exposure on the PPE and street clothes. Those applicators wearing PPE, then removed the outer garments. The black light showed no exposure to clothing or skin under PPE. Applicators were impressed with how easily they could be exposed to pesticides and not know it. They were also impressed with the ability of PPE to protect them from pesticide exposure.
New issue of Pesticide Briefs
Latest Pesticide briefs at: http://www.udel.edu/pesticide/briefs.htm Soon to appear: An article from Joanne Whalen on pesticides in mixed stands of alfalfa and grasses and an article from Dewey Caron about coumaphos in bee hives.
submitted by Susan Whitney
1) The Maine School IPM Program will present a half-day school IPM workshop primarily for school maintenance and custodial staff and school administrators to be held April 18th, 2002 at the William S. Cohen Middle School in Bangor, Maine and on April 19th at the Caribou High School in Caribou, Maine. Dr. Tom Fisher, a nationally recognized expert in structural pest management and UNH faculty member emeritus will serve as the primary instructor. The focus of this workshop is to provide school staff the information they need to establish an IPM program and to prevent pest problems by focusing on sanitation, maintenance, inspections and monitoring.
2) The American Lung Association of Maine is leading a Safe and Healthy Schools Project designed to help Maine schools develop and implement a coordinated program that addresses a variety of safety and health risks in school settings ranging from management of molds, asbestos, toxic chemicals, to pests and occupational/educational safety. The first educational workshop will be held May 3rd at Presque Isle High School in Presque Isle, ME.
3) The Maine Department of Agriculture is presenting a program for Maine farmers and service providers entitled 'Production Risk Strategies for High Value and Specialty Crops' to be held April 12th, at the Senator Inn, Augusta, ME. A featured speaker is Eliot Coleman author of 'The New Organic Grower' and 'Four Season Harvest'.
submitted by Kathy Murray
A conference entitled 'Working with Organic Farmers: Enhancing Agency Involvement in the Northeast' will be held in Kerhonkson, NY Sept 26-27 2002. For more information contact Eric Sideman, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Assn: 207-946-4402 or Vern Grubinger, Director NE Sustainable Agric. Center, Univ. of VT: 802-257-7967.
submitted by Kathy Murray
TopThe NESARE has changed its application process for research and education grants as well as professional development projects. For 2002 a preproposal---one page description of preformance targets and project design--for early review. Based on the preproposal, projects will be selected to proceed with a full application. Preapplication materials will be available in mid-April at www.uvm.edu/~nesare/. Preproposals for 2003 grants will be due June 14.
NOTE: THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO FARMER-GROWER GRANTS.
from Dave Smith, SARE Coordinator, Cornell
TopProfessionals from all walks of life are needed and encouraged to participate in IPM-related educational activities in schools and classrooms during the week of May 5, 2002. Join us in increasing understanding and appreciation for IPM!
What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that maintains a high standard of pest control while reducing reliance on high-risk pesticides. IPM includes regular monitoring to detect problems early, acting against pests only when necessary, choosing the most effective option with the least risk to people and the environment, and applying knowledge about pest biology to create long-term, prevention-based solutions. IPM can be practiced in any environment where insects, plant diseases, weeds or wildlife create problems, including schools, farms, homes, workplaces, parks and lawns.
Pesticide applications made on a routine or calendar basis are not part of IPM. Allowing pests to flourish is also not part of IPM. By improving pest control, reducing reliance on pesticides and incorporating least-risk options, IPM reduces both pest and pesticide risks.
Why IPM in Schools? IPM in the school environment is especially important. Children face greater potential for health effects resulting from pest and pesticide exposure and spend a great deal of time in schools. IPM can reduce liability and risks from accidental poisoning, allergies or other harmful effects that pests and pesticides can have on children and adults.
Why an IPM in Schools Week? Effective and economical methods to control pests in schools without using toxic chemicals are available nationwide. Yet public awareness of IPM is very low. IPM is used successfully in agriculture and community settings around the world, and many schools report cost savings when they implement IPM. Public support is essential for continued research to create new and improved IPM approaches. By increasing public awareness and support, we can build appreciation and incentives for IPM and IPM users everywhere.
Who Can Participate? Anyone with an appreciation for IPM is invited to participate. Take a few minutes of your time to share your enthusiasm for IPM with students in your local schools. Those in IPM-related professions, including biological science, agriculture, and professional pest management are especially encouraged to share their experience and knowledge. For ideas on IPM-related activities you might consider undertaking, visit our web site at www.ipminstitute.org/schoolipmweek.htm and take the IPM Pledge!
For More Information! Visit the School IPM Web site or contact the IPM Institute at (608) 232-1528, Fax (608) 232-1530, or e-mail to schoolipmweek@ipminstitute.org
topRegion II FQPA/Strategic Agriculture Initiative RFP.
EPA's Region II has released a request for proposals for its Strategic Ag. Initiative. Proposals may be funded for up to $40,000, and the total funds available are $119,600. Proposals must be received by close of business April 22. The RFP can be downloaded here as Microsoft Word or Word Perfect document. For more information, contact:
Audrey Moore U. S. EPA Region 2
2890 Woodbridge Ave., MS-500
Edison, NJ, 08837
Phone: 732-906-6809 E-mail: moore.audrey@epa.govPesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Project Grants 2002: Request for Proposals
The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Project Grants are administered by the National Foundation For IPM Education (NFIPME), using funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs. The goal of PESP is to reduce the risks from the use of pesticides in agricultural and non-agricultural settings in the U.S. This RFP can also be found at the following website: http://www.pesp.org/2002rfp.html
Project limits are $40,000 with a total pool expected to be at least $266,000. Proposals must be received at the National Foundation For IPM Education offices on or before 5:00 p.m. Central Time, May 6, 2002.
topTo borrow a phrase, t's been a busy month in Lake Wobegon.......We have had a spate of generally successful meeting, all successful to varying degrees. These included meetings of the Steering Committee, Advisory Council and Information Network project leaders all held the week of March 11 in the Baltimore area. Vegetable IPM working group leaders Ruth Hazzard and Curt Petzoldt won the prize for first meeting held their group also met the same week in Baltimore. Fruit IPM CWG, led by Peter Shearer and Dave Handley, met the following week. Reports on all of these meetings will be available as soon as we can get them together.
John Ayers, Jim VanKirk and Liz Myers attended the International IPM Conference in Toronto the week of March 18, and presented posters on both NE PMC and Northeast IPM. Several other members of the NE PMC "family" also participated.
Jim VanKirk attended the New England Pest Management Network stakeholder meeting in Portsmouth, NH this week to present the national (on behalf of Dennis Kopp) and regional perspective on pest management centers. Glen Koehler, Jim Dill and the rest of the New Englend project leaders did an excellent job of putting together a diverse group presenting an engaging agenda. Meanwhile, John Ayers is attending the North Central Region PMC annual meeting in East Lansing.
Meetings are valuable, but the entire Center staff is relieved to be home for a while, and looking forward to some time in the office catching up on a growing to-do list.
Access to this page is not restricted. Nortification of new issues of the Insideris sent to NE PMC Advisory Council members; NE PMC Information Network project leaders; NE PMC IPM Commodity Working Group members; IPM Coordinators in the Northeast; subscribers to PMC-L. Email Jim or Liz to offer submissions or suggest changes.
Jim VanKirk, Coordinator 315-787-2378 jrv1@cornell.edu
topJohn Ayers, Director 814-865-7776 (voice) email
Liz Thomas, Information Specialist 315-787-2626 egt3@cornell.edu
This page created April 3, 2002
Centers for Pest Management are sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture
This page developed and managed by Jim VanKirk, NE PMC Coordinator