Michigan IPM Success Story

Michigan: Satellite Broadcast Teaches Strategies for Fast Changing Pest Problems

by C.E. Edson, fruit and vegetable IPM program leader, Michigan State University Extension and Pesticide Research Center; L.G. Olsen, IPM coordinator, Michigan State University Extension and Pesticide Research Center; E.J. Gradius, professor, Entomology, Michigan State University; J.N. Landis, IPM Extension associate, Michigan State University

Field

The potato industry is an important part of Michigan agriculture with a 1995 farm-gate value just under $100 million, according to the Michigan Potato Industry Commision. Many growers manage insects, weeds and diseases with IPM practices.

Recently, the Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) caused serious problems for Michigan potato growers when it developed resistance to most insecticides registered to control it. Adopting non-chemical controls helped to maintain control of CPB. However, in severe resistance areas, controlling this beetle cost potato growers as much as $200 per acre.

In 1995, many potato growers used a newly registered, relatively selective insecticide called imidacloprid. It was highly effective, reducing the amount of insecticide needed and cost to control CPB by nearly 50 percent in high-resistance areas. Good resistance management that includes pesticide alternatives will be needed to maintain the effectiveness of this control. To update growers about managing CPB and to encourage greater integration of IPM into production systems, Michigan State University hosted a satellite broadcast educational program.

The Potato Integrated Crop Management (ICM) Workshop was a two-part program that featured faculty, MSU Extension (MSUE) agents, growers and consultants discussing several pest issues. The satellite workshop reached many potato growers around the state simultaneously, presenting up-to-date information and videotaped field footage highlighting current problems. The audience learned about alternative IPM strategies, received scouting instruction, and viewed on-site ICM research. During the workshop, viewers called a toll-free number to ask an expert panel questions.

Growers were pleased to receive current information about managing pest and production problems while possibly reducing their reliance on pesticides. The satellite program was recorded and is available through the MSUE bulletin system. Additional instructional videotapes are being produced from the field segments which will continue to inform producers of ICM strategies.

From North Central Region Extension Publication NCR 599. Part of the North Central Region National IPM Network Site.