Program Overview

My position combines research (30%) and extension (70%) to provide statewide leadership in developing and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for insects and mites affecting field corn, processing sweet corn, soybeans, small grains, alfalfa and other forage crops.

Broadly, my research concentrates on development and refinement of IPM programs utilizing Biological, Cultural, Chemical and Host Plant Resistance methods as appropriate; including insect pest management strategies within Certified and Transitional Organic Production Systems. The objective of my extension program is to provide information on effective, up to date, and sustainable (profitable and environmentally sound) IPM practices. Research objectives are generated in response to the needs of Wisconsin growers and UW Extension County Agents; as well as crop consultants, government agencies, industries and non-profit organizations that serve or interact with a diversity of Wisconsin growers, farms, and agricultural production systems.

Primary extension sources for this information include UW Cooperative Extension Publ. A3646 (Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops); the Wisconsin Crop Manager newsletter; fact sheets and bulletins (web based and hard copy); summer field days at the UW Agricultural Research Stations and cooperating grower farms with UW Extension County Agent faculty; and winter meetings such as the Pest Management Update series offered at eight locations throughout Wisconsin each November.