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Funded Project

Funding Program: Enhancement Grants - State Contacts/IPM Documents

Project Title: Tennessee Pest Management Information Network - State Contact and IPM Documents

Project Directors (PDs): Darrell D Hensley [1] James P Parkman [2]

Lead State: TN Lead Organization: University of Tennessee

Undesignated Funding: $40,000

Start Date: Jul-01-2007 End Date: Jun-30-2008

Summary: The University of Tennessee seeks funding for continued development and maintenance of a State Contact Project (SCP) for Tennessee. If funding is received, The University of Tennessee, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology will continue to assist the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center (SRIPMC) in maintaining a communication network that will enhance and facilitate the flow of resources and information in integrated pest management on a statewide basis as well as a regional basis. The University of Tennessee Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Tennessee Pest Management Information Network (TPMIN) will serve as a primary resource for regulatory questions related to pest management and pesticides in Tennessee. Responses to informational requests made through the SRIPMC will be forwarded to an online reporting system developed by the SRIPMC. The TPMIN will establish and maintain a stakeholder network to continue to develop Tennessees priorities. An annual state contact meeting will be held with stakeholders to aid in developing state and regional priorities. The Universitys IPM Coordinators, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) coordinators and IR-4 coordinators; industry representatives; grower groups and growers will be asked for their input in developing separate state priorities for Tennessee. Developed priorities will be placed online for public access. Stakeholder information will be displayed within a developed web site. The State Contact Project will provide oversight of state-developed Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSP). Developed crop/pest profiles and PMSPs will conform to the Centers standards for content, format and distribution. Occasionally, information concerning pests, outcomes and successes will be reported in annual reports and on the networks web site. The SCP will contribute to programs by supplying information concerning pest management and pesticides. This information will be distributed across the state in the form of newsletters, pest alerts and e-mailings. The University of Tennessee, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology also seeks funding to assist the State Contact Project (SCP) in developing Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) that will enhance the function, activities and processes of the SCP and facilitate the development of resources and information used in integrated pest management on a statewide basis and for regional use. Funding will be used for developing and maintaining state crop pest profiles and/or state or multi-state PMSPs. The University of Tennessee Entomology and Plant Pathology Department will work closely with the SCP. Darrell Hensley will serve as the principal investigator of the SCP for development of state Crop Profiles and state PMSPs. Completed Crop Profiles and PMSPs will be forwarded to the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center (SRIPMC) to be placed on an online public accessible system. The SCP will establish and maintain a stakeholder network to continue to develop state priorities. Priorities determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by state stakeholders will be priorities targeted by the team working and developing state Crop Profiles and PMSPs. Six production areas have been suggested by the stakeholders for development during 2007-2008. These include; leafy greens, blueberries, grapes, wheat, tobacco, and dairy cattle production. The Universitys IPM Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) coordinator, and IR-4 coordinator, industry representatives, a representative from Tennessee State University, grower groups, growers, county agents, a state regulator and state crop specialists may be involved or have input in the development of selected state Crop Profiles and/or PMSPs. Coordinators of the Crop Profiles and PMSPs will allow the State Contact Project to provide oversight of the projects state-developed projects. Developed crop/pest profiles and PMSPs will conform to the SRIPMCs standards for content, format and distribution. Occasionally, information concerning pest management trends, IPM outcomes and successes will be reported to the SCP network and may be placed on the state networks web site. Information concerning crop acreage, yield, pest management practices utilized, pesticide use, biocontrol products, beneficial organisms, alternative pest control practices and other information will be contained within state-developed Crop Profiles and PMSPs for web publication. Objectives: STATE CONTACT PROJECT (SCP): A) Informational contact: The Tennessee Pest Management Information Network housed at the University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology will continue to serve as Tennessees SCP or primary contact for regulatory questions related to pest management and pesticides. B) Activities and documentation: The SCP will document activities related to pesticide and pest management inquires from entities other than the Center, USDA and EPA. C) Communications and Networking: Darrell Hensley will be the principal investigator of Tennessees Pest Management Information Networks and serve as the State Contact Project (SCP) for the Southern Region IPM Center. The SCP will continue to facilitate the flow of critical pest management and pesticide information to proper entities through newsletters, e-mailings and critical pest alerts. The SCP will continue to cooperate with SRIPMC and other states in gathering and disseminating pest management related information. The SCP will inform and consult with state stakeholders of EPAs priorities and contact stakeholders for their input. The SCP will request state IPM coordinators, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) coordinators, IR-4 representatives, 1890s university IPM program representatives, state department of agriculture and environmental conservation, county extension personnel and commodity groups to provide input in each state network. Individuals may be contacted via email, newsletters, direct phone contact or annual advisory meetings. D) Oversight: The SCP will provide coordination and oversight of IPM documents such as crop pest profiles and PMSPs developed within the state by assisting with development and providing guidance, if necessary. Crop profiles and PMSPs developed may include commodities either listed on EPAs priority list or noted as a priority by the state advisory committee. Developed crop profiles and/or PMS plans will follow guidelines as posted on the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Centers web page. E) Annual Assessment: An annual assessment prioritizing crop profiles and PMSPs for the state will be covered by this project. This assessment will require that stakeholders review currently developed crop profiles and PMSPs to determine if they are sufficiently up-to-date and which are needing updating The production of new documents and updating of existing documents will be prioritized by their need. This information will be available to the SRIPMC by November 1, 2007. F) Informational resources: Information for purposes of direct contact for state resources such as IPM coordinator, area specialists, state specialists and researchers will be provided to the SRIPMC. G) Web page development and Pest Alerts: The Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee will continue to maintain a project web site. This web site will be updated to clearly address regional priorities established by the Southern IPM Center. Other activities will be conducted by the SCP, such as posting IPM success stories and State IPM projects. The SCP will assist in maintaining and providing materials pertaining to pest management and pesticides for a departmental pest alert newsletter Whats Happening. The SCP will also assist the areas of entomology, plant pathology and weed science within the state by providing critical information concerning pest management related issues to industry and other institutions. H) SRIPMC meeting participation: The SCP or representative from the University of Tennessee will attend an annual state contact meeting arranged by the Center. DEVELOPMENT OF IPM DOCUMENTS: A) Creation of Crop Profiles and PMSPs: The SCP will provide oversight for the development of state Crop Profiles and/or state developed PMSPs. A representative at The University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology will develop Crop Profiles and PMSPs from priorities set by the EPA and/or state stakeholders. Six production areas have been suggested for development of Crop/Pest Profiles in 2007  2008 and include blueberries, grapes, leafy greens, wheat, tobacco, and dairy cattle. Tennessee has indicated an interest in the regional development of regional PMSPs for honeybees to the SCP representative at NCSU. Dairy cattle production has been listed as a priority by EPA in the EPA/BEAD Pest Profile Priorities(6) web page for several states. Tennessees advisory committee members highly encouraged development of the dairy cattle and greens for crop pest profiles. Tennessee is ranked 28th of 50 states for dairy cattle production. Wheat and tobacco profiles are out of date and suggested to be updated. B) Communications and Networking: Individuals assisting in development of Crop/Pest Profiles and/or PMSPs will inform the SCP of any information and/or successful ideas acquired through project development that may benefit the state or region. Occasionally, other states SCPs may ask Tennessee to participate in development of multi-state Crop Profiles or PMSPs. When such requests are made, Tennessee may be involved with these multi-state projects, if feasible.

Website: Tennessee Pest Management Information System

Final Report:

Outcomes During the project period, approximately 38 articles were placed within our departmental newsletter titled "What's Happening" which may be found at: http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Whats/whatshap.htm. Information contained within the newsletter covered various topics that may aid producers, industry, county extension personnel and state specialists. Mr. Gray Haun, a regulatory director at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is an advisory member and continually updates the states program when issues concerning agriculture and forest production arise. During the project period, 5 responses were made from requests made via the SR-IPM Center. On, Aug 28, 2007, Request ID no. 177 was made by Al Jennings, USDA OPMP via Steve Toth, titled "Comments Requested on EPA's Analysis of Methomyl Use on Grapes" was forwarded to state extension specialists. Frank Hale our state entomologist responded on August 29, 2007, indicating he attached a file with some minor changes in the test for their consideration in which he used track changes. Frank noticed that the document did not include information from the Southeast although Tennessee does have many of the same pests and problems associated with the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and California. Frank noticed that while leafhoppers were discussed, there was no mention of the sharpshooters and the vectoring of Pierces disease that has to be the biggest threat to grape production. Frank indicated he did not know if methomyl is used any for sharpshooter control in the west. His attachment was included in his response. On October 12, 2007, Request no. ID: 179 was made by Teung Chin, USDA OPMP via Titled: Advance notice of 60-day comment period for aldicarb. On October 15, 2007 Darrell Hensley Forwarded a response made by Dr Scott Stewart with the following statement "Darrell, I've already had the opportunity to provide input on the proposed changes of Temik use for cotton and soybean via Bayer and Bayer/EPA. I believe these "mitigations" are acceptable and do not pose a significant burden to growers. Regards, Scott Scott D. Stewart, IPM Specialist West TN Research and Education Center 605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38301 Phone: (731) 425-4709 Fax: (731) 425-4720 Mobile (731) 267-6085 Email: sdstewart@utk.edu Web: www.utcrops.com." On October 26, 2007 request ID: 181 was made by: Teung Chin, USDA OPMP via Steve Toth, titled: Grower Interest in Malathion Use on Selected Crops. On October 26, 2007 Frank Hale responded with the following information: "My concern would be the loss of malathion for use on non-commercial (backyard)plum production. Multipurpose Fruit sprays contain a combination of insecticide(s) and fungicide. Several years ago, we lost the use of methoxychlor which was a common component of these multipurpose fruit sprays. The current multipurpose fruit sprays contain a fungicide (captan) plus carbaryl (Sevin) by itself or in combination with malathion. If malathion is lost, Sevin would probably be the only insecticide left in the multipurpose spray. Malathion and Sevin both have a 3 day preharvest interval while an alternative insecticide labeled on plum, esfenvalerate (Ortho BugBGone Multi-Purpose Insect Killer, has a 14 day preharvest interval. Sevin and esfenvalerate are particularly hard on beneficial arthropods which can lead to a resurgence in spider mite populations and subsequent damage which could require control measures. Unfortunately, there are no miticides labeled for use on noncommercial plums." On November 21, 2007 request no. ID: 182 was made by Kent Smith, USDA OPMP via Steve Toth, titled: EBDC fungicides on potatoes: petition to reduce PHI. On November 26, 2007, Darrell Hensley made a response that the change would not have an effect on Tennessee production. Unless the dollar returns increase for potato production, TN will not be increasing acreage. Most potatoes are grown for personal usage and not on a commercial scale. The only market I see to increase potato production would be the organic market. EBDC use would not be allowed in that market. On May 05, 2008, request ID no.: 186 was made by Allen Jennings, USDA OPMP via Steve Toth. The request was titled: Use of Carbaryl in Floriculture West of Mississippi River. On May 6, 2007 Darrell Hensley responded indicating that the request was not relevant to Tennessee production. A request was made by a production specialist to help him obtain assistance for an SLN for Reglone use in Canola (7/16/08) Two contacts were made to the state's regulatory agency (TDA) concerning SLN's and the latest listing of products for use of Asian soybean rust control. Throughout 07 and 08, the state coordinator assisted with surveying and monitoring of Asian soybean rust. On 9/11/07, the state coordinator assisted another extension specialist in developing a news release concerning Asian soybean rust. On 10/25/07, the state program coordinator assisted a researcher with identification and provide information concerning proper control of strawberry anthracnose. On 2/08/08, the state program coordinator attended a Research Planning Meeting of the Research and Education Center located in Greeneville, TN. On 1/3/08, the program coordinator assisted with compiling the departments state pest control recommendations. On 2/22/08, the state program coordinator assisted with updates on publication SP91 Tobacco Pest Control. On 4/25/08 the state program coordinator assisted our state Extension forest specialist with pin oak disease identification and control recommendations. On 7/25/08, information was provided to our entomologists concerning June beetle control. On multiple occasions, the state program coordinator assisted with posting and distribution of a departmental newsletter titled Fruit Pest News (FPN) (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/fpn/fpn.htm. On 10/1/08, assistance was provided to the state fruit specialists in identifying and providing control recommendations concerning thread disease of apple. A state stakeholder network has been developed and information was provided by and to advisory members (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/Tennessee-contacts.html). Emails were sent to the advisory committee on an as needed basis. The state core project coordinator works with the state IPM, PSEP and IR-4 coordinators. Mr. Fitzroy Bullock of Tennessee State University is provided information concerning state project matters and pest management matters when needs arise. Mr. Cleston Parris of the Tennessee Agricultural Production Association (TAPA) is also notified in the event of informational requests and or is distributed information to association's members Also, information concerning critical issues is provided to one of the largest farm supply chains located within Tennessee. An email was sent to the state advisory committee (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/Tennessee-contacts.html) informing them of the need to discuss the State Pest Management Information Network's Program. Some individuals indicated they would like to provide input via email where others indicated they would participate via conference call. Information that was supplied by members was compiled and provided to members for their final review. Advisory members were provided information concerning the state web site and the regional web site. Individuals were informed of the crop profiles that were currently developed and asked which profiles need to be updated. The members indicated that profiles older 4 years or older more than likely needed control recommendations updated. Information was obtained for state priorities and was posted on the state project contacts web site (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/TNPMIN.html). Advisory members did indicate that PMSPs were beneficial, however these documents took much time and effort to develop and unless major production problems or difficulties arose, it would be difficult to get growers or grower groups to commit to time needed to develop PMSPs. Crop/ Pest profiles and PMSPs that are completed were made available to the public via the websites at: (href=http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/Profiles.html">http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/Profiles.html. Steve Toth sent a request for an Expert List to be updated. Only three individuals were provided as past experts listed for Tennessee. Tennessee provided more than three individuals in past requests. On 10-24-08, Tennessee provided an extensive list of individuals who work with various aspects of production. Due to the greater increase of interest of obtaining external funding more and more individuals are working in various areas of agriculture including IPM related issues. Darrell Hensley attended the annual meeting held in Roanoke, Virginia in 2007. The state coordinator (Darrell Hensley), informed advisory members and other interested parties when issues concerning crop production and/or pest control became evident through out the year via email and newsletters.

Prioritization of Crop Profiles and PMSPs (State Contact only, required) Six crop/pest profiles (blueberries, dairy cattle, grapes, leafy greens, tobacco and wheat) were completed in late 2007 to early 2008. Three profiles (soybean, brambles, hay were completed in early 2006. Six profiles (alfalfa, beef cattle, field corn, cotton, peppers, and sorghum) were completed in 2005. A crop pest profile was completed for strawberries in 2004. These sixteen crop/pest profiles are relatively up to date. The remaining eight crop/pest profiles developed after 2003 should be updated when funding becomes available. Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) that have been developed for Tennessee include Beef Cattle in 2005, Turfgrass in 2004, strawberries, sweet corn and Christmas trees in 2003 and cucurbits in 2002. IPM Documents that should be considered for update include; the PMSPs cucurbits and Christmas trees and the crop pest profiles apples, cantaloupes, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, snap beans, sweet corn and summer squash. New documents that were suggested by advisory members that would be beneficial for the state included; a crop / pest profile document for ginseng production, green house vegetable production, greenhouse ornamental production. Blueberries ...... (last updated : 04/30/2008) Cattle (Dairy) ...... (last updated : 04/09/2008) Grapes ...... (last updated : 05/23/2008) Greens (Leafy) ...... (last updated : 06/27/2008) Tobacco ...... (last updated : 04/03/2008) Wheat ...... (last updated : 04/15/2008) Soybeans ...... (last updated : 08/02/2006) Brambles ...... (last updated : 09/08/2006) Hay ...... (last updated : 11/10/2006) Alfalfa ...... (last updated : 02/27/2005) Cattle (Beef) ...... (last updated : 11/02/2005) Corn (Field) ...... (last updated : 10/31/2005) Cotton ...... (last updated : 09/15/2005) Peppers ...... (last updated : 02/28/2005) Sorghum ...... (last updated : 07/25/2005) Strawberries ...... (last updated : 04/21/2004) Beans (Snap) ...... (last updated : 04/01/2003) Corn (Sweet) ...... (last updated : 04/01/2003) Squash (Summer) ...... (last updated : 04/01/2003) Apples ...... (last updated : 05/01/2002) Cantaloupes ...... (last updated : 06/01/2002) Peaches ...... (last updated : 05/01/2002) Pumpkins ...... (last updated : 07/01/2002) Tomatoes ...... (last updated : 07/10/2002) A prioritized listing of Crop / Pest Profiles: High priority crop profiles include: apples, cantaloupes, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, summer squash, sweet corn, and snap beans. Medium priority crop profiles include; strawberries, sorghum, peppers, cotton, field corn, beef cattle and alfalfa. Low priority priority crop profiles include; hay, brambles, soybeans, wheat, tobacco, leafy greens, grapes, dairy cattle and blue berries.

Web Site (State Contact only, required) The state developed web site (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/TNPMIN.html is to the best of our knowledge compatible with regional and national IPM Center sites to the extent that information on the state site can contribute seamlessly to the larger information databases maintained regionally and nationally. Information addressed on a state scale often contributes to regional and/or national objectives. Tennessee's program will continue its efforts to provide regional assistance. Information concerning the contact information for the program and the project leader are listed within the state web site. The state site includes or is linked to (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/TNPMIN.html) a project description, abstract, or summary for the State Contact Project. It also includes or is linked to (http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/Extension/TN-PMIN/TN-accomplish.html and http://www.sripmc.org) for annual progress reports for the State Contact Project. The site complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 includes links to the Southern IPM Center and other appropriate entities. The state site includes links to the Southern IPM Center and other entities. The homepage displays, the project or site heading, the phrase "the TNPMIN is a component of the Southern IPM Center." At the bottom of the developed web pages includes the statement "This site is supported, in part, with funding from the Southern IPM Center." All pages: include the phrase "the TN-PMIN is a component of the Southern IPM Center," with the words "Southern IPM Center" hyperlinked to the Center's web site. Each page also includes an indication of the date created or the most recent update (whichever is more recent), and the name of a person responsible for maintaining the page.

Impacts Funding is desperately needed to continue efforts of a state core project and to aid in the development of IPM documents. Without adequate funding growers, grower groups, state researchers, extension specialist and county personnel may not be made aware of the importance of critical data needs and or possible losses of critical pest control products due to data gaps. Funding the efforts of a state network provides an avenue of communication to aid in the distribution and or helping to obtain information that is beneficial to all involved parties. Also, a state contact can aid a regional or national program by providing an updated listing of university production experts. A state coordinator often provides critical production information to industry and grower groups which helps to provide an open dialogue between university personnel and other concerned parties. Current and past work of this state program has assisted the regional program by providing critical information concerning alternatives of methyl bromide in strawberry, pepper, and cucurbit production in Tennessee.

Discussion (State Contact and IPM Documents, optional) One of the major constraints of this program, is an uncertainty of continued funding. Current funding provided for this project is considered soft funding and does not adequately fund a full time position. Supplemental funds must be obtained to provide adequate resources to complete this program as well as complete duties of other programs. If funding is lost, the university may not have sufficient resources to continue critical needs of providing information to the stakeholders of Tennessee as well as the SRIPMC and the USDA. A strong state program is essential to obtain and or distribute timely information to growers/university personnel and the SRIPMC/USDA. Formula funding would be extremely beneficial for the continuation of a strong state program and would reduce the possibility of an interruption in networking functions. A study conducted in 2006 indicated that formula funded agricultural programs had greater impacts than competitive funded projects. If this program was converted back into a formula funded program, it would help guarantee continued federal support, therefore, should greatly benefit the state program. Huffman, W.E. and R. E. Evenson, 2006, Do Formula or Competitive Grant Funds Have Greater Impacts on State Agricultural Productivity ? Amer. J. Agr. Econ. 88(4):783-798.

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