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Funded Project |
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Funding Program:
Enhancement Grants - Special Projects |
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Project Title:
Developing an imported fire ant IPM module for the IPM3 Training Consortium |
Project Directors (PDs):
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Lead State: AR Lead Organization: University of Arkansas |
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Cooperating State(s):
Alabama |
| Undesignated Funding: $24,977 |
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Start Date: Mar-01-2010 End Date: Feb-28-2011 |
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No-Cost Extension Date: Jun-30-2011 |
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Pests Involved: fire ant |
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Area of Emphasis: education |
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Summary:
Imported fire ants are extremely important pests in the southern U. S., with an estimated annual economic impact of roughly $6.3 billion; losses in southeastern states range from $1.28 million in Arkansas to $1.3 billion in Florida. Land and facility managers, as well as pest management professionals, need current IPM practices to address the challenges posed by fire ants. In the absence of new skills, pest managers rely primarily on pesticides rather than incorporating other IPM strategies. Education about IPM represents the greatest potential for increased adoption of IPM approaches to use against fire ants on public and private lands.
A new IPM training opportunity was developed primarily to target federal, state and local agency personnel with responsibilities for implementing IPM. This IPM training consortium, referred to as IPM3, was launched in November 2009 at the University of Minnesota, with its centerpiece IPM Core Concepts Training Module. A specific IPM module on fire ant biology and management is currently unavailable on IPM3. Because of the importance of fire ants to the southern region, specialized fire ant IPM education fits very well with the IPM road map goal. We propose collating and reformatting existing fire ant information into a systematically structured course that flows from simple to more complex concepts, to increase user comprehension of IPM strategies and ultimately IPM adoption. Our objective is to develop a fire ant IPM module to be hosted by the IPM3 consortium. The web-based module will target extension educators, master gardeners, 4-H staff, crop consultants, pest management professionals, facility managers and land managers. This course will include multiple units and student assessments on IPM principles and various IPM topics appropriate for fire ants. Course participants will receive CEUs and a certificate of completion. In addition, fire ant specialists will assess the module to ascertain the modules quality before its availability to the targeted users. Outcomes will include greater implementation of IPM against fire ants in various venues and locations, by educated IPM practitioners. Increased implementation of IPM tactics should result in reduced pesticide use concomitant with integration of multiple tactics. Objectives: Our objective is to develop a fire ant IPM module to be hosted by the IPM3 consortium. The web-based module will target extension educators, master gardeners, 4-H staff, crop consultants, pest management professionals, facility managers and land managers. This course will include multiple units and student assessments on IPM principles and various IPM topics appropriate for IFAs. Course participants will receive CEUs and a certificate of completion. In addition, fire ant specialists will assess the module to ascertain the modules quality before its availability to the targeted users. |
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Final Report: |
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Results The objective of this project was to develop an imported fire ant IPM course module to be hosted by the IPM3 Consortium. Soon after the project was funded, project participants met in person and electronically to develop an on-line Imported Fire Ant IPM course. After initial development, the course was peer-reviewed and demonstrated during the 2011 Imported Fire ant Conference and the 2011 Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. In 2011, the course was offered for the first time through the Integrated Pest Management Consortium (IPM3) and has been offered every semester since then. Imported Fire Ant IPM is the only Web-based, distance education opportunity to offer continuing education credits and certificate of completion after successful completion of the course. The Imported Fire Ant Module is a 10 hour course and students that successfully complete the course receive one continuing education credit. To date, two individuals have completed the course. Course information is available at: http://www.cce.umn.edu/Integrated-Pest-Management-Education/Imported-Fire-Ant-Module/index.html . Below is a brief course synopsis taken from the course syllabus. The Imported Fire Ant IPM Module provides basic information on the principles of imported fire ant integrated pest management. Understanding these principles is necessary to fully grasp the concepts and tactics needed to manage imported fire ant populations. The module is structured into lessons that cover imported fire ant IPM tactics (cultural, chemical and biological control) associated with identification, biology and management of imported fire ants. It uses multiple media learning techniques that include text, videos, and still photos. Quizzes are provided at the conclusion of each lesson an overall grade of 80 percent is required for a student to pass the Imported Fire Ant IPM Module. Since our goal is to increase your knowledge and understanding, there are no limitations to the number of times a student may retake an assessment. IPM3 courses are offered through the University of Minnesota and target federal agency employees (land managers, etc. employed by the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the General Services Administration, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Environmental Protection Agency), state/local government officials tasked with IPM, extension educators, master gardeners, 4-H staff, crop consultants, pest management professionals, and green industry professionals. Additional information on the IPM3 Consortium and other course offerings is available at: http://www.cce.umn.edu/Integrated-Pest-Management-Education/ . |
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Impacts Students completing the course were taught the most up-to-date information available on biology and IPM of imported fire ants. In the short term and with a limited number of students completing the course, impact of this course on changes in pesticide usage and related human or environmental impact is unknown. |
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Outcomes The major outcome of this project is simply making a web-based, distance learning course available to those in need of making sound researched based decisions on the best methods to manage imported fire ants under specific circumstances. In addition, collaboration between the IPM3 Consortium and eXtensions Imported Fire Ant Education site resulted in a new partnership that is beneficial to both entities. Both entities are increasing the awareness of each others educations resources that are currently available. |
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Output a. The Imported Fire Ant IPM module was demonstrated at the 2011 Imported Fire Ant Conference and the 2011 Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of Americas Annual Meeting. b. IMP3s Imported Fire Ant IPM Course was completed in 2011 and has been offered each semester beginning in the summer of 2011. This is the first Web-based, distance education imported fire ant course that provides continuing education credits for students that successfully complete the course. |
Report Appendices
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