NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH CENTRAL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT CENTER

promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing human health and safety.

march

NORTH CENTRAL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT CENTERMARCH 2009

STATE IPM COORDINATORS

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From the Director’s Desk........................................................................................................................................................................IPM in Schools Strategic Plan................................................................................................................................................................Registration Review Schedule/Program Update Information .............................................................................................................EPA Solicits Partnership Grants............................................................................................................................................................Court Ruling Vacating the Final Rule on Aquatic Pesticides...............................................................................................................Organic Arsenicals Agreement...............................................................................................................................................................ASA Welcomes USDA Funding for Soybean Rust Monitoring.........................................................................................................National Efforts Promote School IPM....................................................................................................................................................SCN Field Days in Nebraska................................................................................................................................................................Algae a Credible Frontrunner as Source for Biofuels.......................................................................................................................Soybean Rust Short Course...................................................................................................................................................................Winning the Battle Against Glyphosate-resistant Weeds....................................................................................................................New Soybean Disease and Pest Field Guide........................................................................................................................................Deer Damage Management Workshop..................................................................................................................................................Spidering the Web..................................................................................................................................................................................Resource Corner....................................................................................................................................................................................

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I want to begin 2009 by thanking several individuals who have provided outstanding service and leadership for IPM programming in the North Central region. Dr. Bob Wright, University of Nebraska, recently completed a two-year term as Chair of the North Central Region IPM Coordinating Committee (NCERA-201). Dr. Wright together with his fellow committee members have worked to develop important regional and multi-state activities including coordinating a mini-symposium session at the recent 6th International IPM Symposium entitled “IPM Working Groups: Transcending Boundaries across States, Disciplines, and Agencies to Implement IPM” in collaboration with several members of the Western Region IPM Coordinating Committee and the North Central IPM Center. I also wish to thank Mike Carter, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers; Vickie Kujawa, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe; Dave Margolies, Kansas State University; Carol Pilcher, Iowa State University; Brad Ruden, South Dakota State University; and Ann Sorensen, American Farmland Trust for their service on our North Central IPM Center Stakeholder Panel. I extend a warm welcome to three new IPM coordinators in the North Central region (Suzanne Bissonnette, University of Illinois; Daren Mueller, Iowa State University; and Tom Phillips, Kansas State University). Dr. Ian MacRae, University of Minnesota is the new Chair for NCERA-201 and Dr. Rick Foster, Purdue University, will serve as Chair-Elect for the committee. In addition, I am pleased to announce our new North Central IPM Center Stakeholder Panel members (Rubella Goswami, North Dakota State University; Mike Mazzocco, University of Illinois; Jim Nechols, Kansas State University; Kevin Steffey, University of Illinois; and Ralph Williams, Purdue University). The North Central IPM Center looks forward to collaborating with our state-based partners to continue to strengthen our regional IPM programs.

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CSREES, EPA, and IPM Centers Release IPM in Schools Strategic Plan

USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers and the IPM Institute today released a strategic plan to implement IPM practices in schools. The plan was created to reduce pest and pesticide-related hazards to children in the U.S. public schools by 2015. “Poor pest management and the use of pesticides can affect students’ learning abilities and long-term health, especially asthma, which is the number one cause of school absences,” said Colien Hefferan, CSREES administrator. “IPM schools have less pesticide residue, fewer pest problems and lower pest-related allergens. Best practices are essential to improving attendance and performance.” The plan, School IPM 2015: A Strategic Plan for Integrated Pest Management in Schools in the United States, calls for a 70 percent reduction in pest complaints and pesticide use in schools. It also presents actions and a timeline for a coordinated effort to engage professionals in all walks of school life, including parents, teachers, custodians, food service staff, school administrators, pest management professionals, extension staff, regulators and architects. Pest management practices in schools are in need of improvement; more than 50 studies have documented deficiencies, including unmanaged pest infestations, unsafe and illegal use of pesticides and unnecessary pesticide exposure.

Full implementation of integrated pest management practices is affordable and cost-effective. It includes a thorough understanding of pests and pest biology by pest managers; careful inspection and monitoring for pest presence and pest-conducive conditions; and pest prevention through effective education, sanitation and facility maintenance. IPM has reduced pest complaints and pesticide use in schools and other public buildings by 71 to 93 percent with no long-term increase in costs. A coordinated national effort is needed to make safe and effective pest management the standard for all schools. For more information about the IPM in Schools program and to view the strategic plan, visit www.ipmcenters.org/pmsp/pdf/USschoolsPMSP.pdf. The Regional IPM Centers, along with the IPM Institute and the EPA, developed the plan with support from CSREES, which established the regional centers in 2000. The Regional IPM Centers have started IPM in Schools working groups to decide how to implement the plan regionally. To date, CSREES has funded more than $1.6 million in projects related to implementing IPM practices in schools. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.

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Registration Review Schedule/Program Update Information Available EPA has issued an updated schedule for the registration review program, the periodic review of all registered pesticides mandated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The updated schedule provides the timetable for opening dockets for the next four years of the registration review program, from fiscal year (FY) 2009 to 2012, and includes information on dockets that opened in FY 2007 and FY 2008. This schedule keeps EPA on the required track to meet the completion date of October 1, 2022 for all pesticides registered as of October 1, 2007. EPA also announces that the Agency intends to review the neonicotinoid pesticides as a group, and has moved several of these pesticides ahead in the schedule so that dockets for all will open no later than in FY 2012. The neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides with a common mode of action that affects the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. European studies suggest that neonicotinic residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants, and represent a potential risk to pollinators. The registration review docket for the neonicotinoid imidacloprid opened in December 2008, and the docket for nithiazine is scheduled to be opened in March 2009. To better ensure a “level playing field” for the neonicotinoid class as a whole, and to best take advantage of new research as it becomes available, the Agency has moved the docket openings for the remaining neonicotinoids on the registration review schedule (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) to FY 2012.

The Schedule for Beginning Reviews and an explanation of the schedule are available at:http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/schedule.htm

Information about the neonicotinoids and other groups of related pesticides beginning registration review is available at:http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/highlights.htm

Information about the registration review program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/index.htm

EPA Solicits Partnership Grants Proposals Under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act (PRIA 2) OPP has posted on grants.gov an announcement that it is soliciting initial proposals to advance partnerships that focus on pesticide risk management issues, with a special focus on integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Awards are intended to support a diverse set of project types, including but not limited to, demonstrations, transfer of innovative IPM technologies, outreach, and education. The announcement provides qualification and application requirements to those interested in submitting initial proposals for fiscal year 2009. The total amount of funding available for award is expected to

be $1 million, which is authorized by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act and from the Science and Technology appropriation from the Office of the Science Advisor. The number of awards to be made under this announcement will depend on individual proposal costs, the availability of funds, and the quality of proposals received. This competition begins with a call for initial proposals from which candidates will be selected and offered an invitation to submit full applications. This announcement contains information on the format and content for the initial proposals as well as criteria for the evaluation of invited applications. The maximum funding level is $250,000 per project. The project period of performance is limited to two years from the award date. Initial proposals are due by April 15, 2009. For more information on the announcement, visit:http://www.epa.gov/pesp/PRIA2_Announcement_FY09.pdf

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=S39yJwKZft0Jpv94JfRLm2BbvKTV2xv0xlF23Bx57RGLSszC87n2!1440342003?oppId=45759&flag2006=false&mode=VIEW

CWA and Pesticides: Court Ruling Vacating the Final Rule on Aquatic Pesticides The 6th circuit court vacated the EPA rule which exempted pesticides applied to water from NPDES permit coverage. On January 19, 2006, EPA received petitions for review of the Aquatic Pesticides rule from both environmental and industry groups. The case was assigned to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. On January 7, 2009 the court held in National Cotton Council, et al, v. EPA, that the final rule was not a reasonable interpretation of the CWA and vacated the rule. The court’s decision, which applies nationally, is effective when the mandate takes effect. The mandate takes effect seven days after the deadline for rehearing expires or seven days after a denial of any petition for rehearing. Parties have until April 9, 2009 to seek rehearing. The Agency, working with DOJ, is reviewing the opinion and considering next steps. Pending the effective date of the court’s decision, the final aquatic pesticides rule remains in effect and permits are not required for the application of pesticide products in accordance with the product’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) label.

For more information go to: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=41

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Organic Arsenicals Agreement EPA has reached an agreement in principle with the major manufacturers of the organic arsenicals MSMA, DSMA, CAMA, and cacodylic acid and its sodium salt. This voluntary agreement steadily removes all organic arsenical pesticide uses, except the use of MSMA on cotton, from the market and implements new restrictions to better protect drinking water resources. Phasing out these uses is expected to accelerate the transition to new, lower risk herbicides. Under the agreement, many uses, including use on residential lawns, will be canceled by the end of this year. For products used on cotton and products phased out after 2009, new use restrictions and mitigation measures will be added to increase protections to water resources.

By mid-March, the registrants must submit voluntary cancellation requests for all uses, other than the use of MSMA on cotton. By the end of 2009, many existing uses will be phased out and canceled including use on residential lawns, forestry, non-bearing fruit and nut trees, and citrus orchards.Over the next 4 years, uses on golf courses, sod farms, and highway rights of way will be phased out, promoting transition to alternatives.

In the Agency’s 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), EPA concluded that all uses of the organic arsenicals were ineligible for reregistration. Following application, these pesticides convert over time to a more toxic form in soil, inorganic arsenic, and potentially contaminate drinking water through soil runoff. At that time, EPA believed that inorganic arsenic also could enter the human food supply through the meat and milk of animals fed cotton by-products treated with MSMA. In completing the RED, EPA determined that the aggregate dietary risks from food and drinking water combined did not meet the food safety standard. During the last two years, stakeholders have submitted additional data indicating that no residues of inorganic arsenic are likely to remain in the meat and milk of animals fed cotton by-products that have been grown in fields treated with MSMA, or in food crops that are rotated with cotton that has been treated with MSMA. Cotton growers also have documented the increasing spread of Palmer amaranth or pigweed, a glyphosate-resistant and economically significant pest, which only MSMA controls at present. In light of this new information, the agreement allows for reregistration of MSMA use on cotton, contingent on the development of confirmatory data. If these data are not submitted by the August 2010 due date, or if they do not confirm the current scientific understanding, EPA will proceed to cancel the cotton use. The Agency is also rescheduling the Registration Review of MSMA to begin in 2013. At that time, MSMA’s risks and benefits will be reevaluated considering any new toxicity information and the availability of new, lower-risk herbicides that should be entering the market. EPA will amend the 2006 Organic Arsenicals RED to reflect the provisions of the agreement. Public comment opportunities will be provided when the Agency publishes Federal Register notices announcing its receipt of registrants?

requests for voluntarily cancellation of uses. The organic arsenicals agreement and related information will be available at www.regulations.gov in Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0201 and on the reregistration chemical pages for these pesticides at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm. For additional information, please contact Tom Myers, Office of Pesticide Programs, (703) 308-8589. The press should contact Dale Kemery, Office of Public Affairs, (202) 564-7839.

ASA Welcomes USDA Funding for Soybean Rust Monitoring February 3, 2009.Saint Louis, Missouri. The American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomes the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement to continue the Asian Soybean Rust Pest Information Platform for Education and Extension (PIPE). ASA has been working with USDA and Congress to secure federal funding for PIPE because the system helps protect the U.S. soybean crop valued at more than $30 billion and saves soybean producers millions of dollars annually. “ASA is pleased that USDA will be providing over $750 million in funding for the soybean rust sentinel plot and diagnostic network in FY09,” said ASA Chairman John Hoffman, a soybean producer from Waterloo, Iowa. “These USDA funds will be leveraged with approximately $500,000 in federal and state checkoff investments and available state funding to maintain a scaled-down soybean rust sentinel plot and diagnostic network.” As a result of ASA’s successful advocacy efforts, PIPE has been funded with more than $2 million of federal money for each of the last four years. PIPE is a coordinated framework that has been highly effective in helping growers make informed decisions about fungicide application. The system includes a surveillance and monitoring network, a Web-based information management system, criteria for deciding when to apply fungicides, predictive modeling, and outreach. The development of the web-based tracking and early-warning system has greatly enhanced the ability of farmers to manage risk and avoid unnecessary fungicide applications. “While ASA is pleased that USDA will be providing this funding to allow for a continuation of the sentinel plot system and diagnostic network in 2009, ASA believes that an increased funding amount should be made part of USDA’s regular budget for FY2010 and subsequent years,” Hoffman said. “The threat and reality of soybean rust is not going to go away, so we need a long-term funding pipeline for this important program.” ASA strongly supported the President’s budget request last fall for $2.3 million for soybean rust monitoring and control, and contacted Congressional appropriations leaders for funding support. ASA efforts included organization of a coalition of more than 50 diverse stakeholders that urged Congress to provide funding for PIPE. “Approval of these 2009 funds follows ASA efforts to secure continued USDA funding for the system after Congress failed to complete and pass an agriculture appropriations bill in the last Congress,” Hoffman said. “For 2010 and beyond, ASA is urging USDA to increase and make permanent funding for this program.”

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Soybean rust was first discovered in the U.S. in 2005, and has spread each year to key soybean producing regions. USDA’s Economic Research Service has found that rust management due to PIPE saved farmers an estimated $299 million in 2005. Surveys conducted by land grant universities estimate a $299 million savings in 2006 and another $209 million in 2007. PIPE is administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). “ASA’s joint efforts with USDA in preparing for and now monitoring the advancement of soybean rust have been highly effective,” Hoffman said. “ASA commends the Department for its early recognition of the dangers posed by soybean rust and for the many agencies that have reached out to growers to work together in fighting it.”

For more information about PIPE, go to www.sbrusa.net to view the national system of real-time soybean rust monitoring and forecasting that is in place to help growers with prevention management decisions. For more information contact:John Hoffman, ASA Chairman, (319) 290-5042, jhoffman@neotek.net Bob Callanan, ASA Communications Director, (314) 576-1770, bcallanan@soy.org Access this release at http://www.soygrowers.com/newsroom/news.htm Visit ASA at http://www.soygrowers.com/

National Efforts Promote School IPMMedia contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2009 – USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers and the IPM Institute today released a strategic plan to implement IPM practices in schools. The plan was created to reduce pest and pesticide-related hazards to children in the U.S. public schools by 2015. “Poor pest management and the use of pesticides can affect students’ learning abilities and long-term health, especially asthma, which is the number one cause of school absences,” said Colien Hefferan, CSREES administrator. “IPM schools have less pesticide residue, fewer pest problems and lower pest-related allergens. Best practices are essential to improving attendance and performance.” The plan, School IPM 2015: A Strategic Plan for Integrated Pest Management in Schools in the United States, calls for a 70 percent reduction in pest complaints and pesticide use in schools. It also presents actions and a timeline for a coordinated effort to engage professionals in all walks of school life, including parents, teachers, custodians, food service staff, school administrators, pest management professionals, extension staff, regulators and architects. Pest management practices in schools are in need of improvement; more than 50 studies have documented deficiencies, including unmanaged pest infestations, unsafe and illegal use of pesticides and unnecessary pesticide exposure.Full implementation of integrated pest management practices is affordable and cost-effective. It includes a thorough

understanding of pests and pest biology by pest managers; careful inspection and monitoring for pest presence and pest-conducive conditions; and pest prevention through effective education, sanitation and facility maintenance. IPM has reduced pest complaints and pesticide use in schools and other public buildings by 71 to 93 percent with no long-term increase in costs. A coordinated national effort is needed to make safe and effective pest management the standard for all schools. For more information about the IPM in Schools program and to view the strategic plan, visit www.ipmcenters.org/pmsp/pdf/USschoolsPMSP.pdf. The Regional IPM Centers, along with the IPM Institute and the EPA, developed the plan with support from CSREES, which established the regional centers in 2000. The Regional IPM Centers have started IPM in Schools working groups to decide how to implement the plan regionally. To date, CSREES has funded more than $1.6 million in projects related to implementing IPM practices in schools. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.

SCN Field Days in Nebraska

Soybean cyst nematodes - SCN - cause the largest losses for soybean growers in the U.S., resulting in production losses over $1 billion annually. Through an aggressive sampling program in Nebraska, SCN has been identified in 46 counties representing over 80% of Nebraska’s soybean production. Yield losses from SCN can be significant without any visual symptoms on the plant. Yield losses of 20-30% have been documented in Nebraska on healthy-appearing soybean plants. Many producers suffer significant yield losses and don’t even realize they have SCN in their fields. A team of UNL Extension Faculty (Loren Giesler, John Wilson, Alan Corr, Chuck Burr, Dennis Kahl, Gary Zoubek, Larry Howard, Gary Lesoing, Sarah Heidzig-Kraeger and Tim Brovont) identified four SCN-infested sites where little SCN programming had been done. The four sites were in fields near Falls City (Richardson County), Goehner (Seward County), Minden (Kearney County) and West Point (Cuming County). At least five SCN-resistant and three SCN-susceptible varieties with similar maturities and agronomic traits were planted in replicated plots at each site. Soil samples were taken from each plot at the beginning of the season and will be taken again at the end of the season. The effect resistant and susceptible varieties had on yield and SCN reproduction will be collected and used for future educational events as well as the yield data from the same varieties planted on two non-infested sites. A field day was held at each SCN-infested site in August and September, 2008. Participants gained knowledge about SCN from a presentation that discussed SCN identification, biology and management. They also had the opportunity to examine resistant and susceptible soybean varieties in the field, and observe SCN on the roots of plants with the naked eye and also under a microscope. Each participant received one or more sample bag(s)

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to return a soil sample from their field for SCN analysis ($20 value). Funding for sample bags and the 2008 Soybean Cyst Nematode Field Days was provided by two grants from the Nebraska Soybean Board. There were 92 participants at the four field days and 66 completed surveys. Occupations of those who completed surveys were: farmer (82%), agribusiness representative (9%), land manager (3%) and other (6%). At the end of each educational program, participants were asked to complete a survey. Almost all (95%) of the participants responding reported that they probably or definitely would make changes in their operation or business based on what they learned at the field day. Participants were also asked to rate their knowledge on various topics before the field day and after the field day using a 1 to 5 scale (1 = no knowledge; 5 = great knowledge). Knowledge significantly increased on each topic surveyed:

Soybean Cyst Nematode Identification - Before: 2.0; After: 4.1; 109% increase Soybean Cyst Nematode Biology - Before: 1.8; After: 3.8; 107% increase Soybean Cyst Nematode Management - Before: 2.3; After: 4.3; 91% increase

Participants were also asked if they had tested or will test for SCN. Only 34% said they had taken soil tests in the past, but over 95% responded that they would take soil samples in the future to determine if SCN was present in their fields. Participants estimated the value of the knowledge gained at the field day for their operation to be $35.08/acre. If the average value was applied to the 70,025 acres farmed or influenced by field day participants, the value of the four field days would be $2,554,451. Participants indicated they learned a lot from the program (100% somewhat or very satisfied), and based on the information they gained, would attend future UNL Extension educational programs (98.5%) and would recommend this program to others who did not attend (100%). Some comments received from participants were:

“This program was great. There should have been 200 people here.” “You described exactly what has been happening on my farm [yields], but I never considered SCN.” “I wish I had this information a couple of years ago. I could have started making changes sooner.”

For more information, contact Loren Giesler (lgiesler1@unl.edu) or John Wilson (jwilson3@unl.edu), project co-leaders.

Algae a Credible Frontrunner as Source for BiofuelsSource: Lance C. Schideman; (217) 244-8485; schidema@illinois.eduWriter: Leanne Lucas; (217) 244-2862; llucas@illinois.edu

URBANA - Algae are a diverse family of simple plants ranging from common pond scum to ocean seaweed, and some

species are now being considered as a promising source of raw material for future biofuels production. Lance Schideman, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois, said there are a number of reasons he believes algae to be a “credible frontrunner” among the various biomass feedstocks being researched for alternative fuels. “Key advantages for algae include prolific growth rates and relatively high oil contents in certain species,” said Schideman. “In addition, algae can help clean-up water resources with excess nutrients and can be grown on lands that aren’t useful for agricultural purposes.” Schideman said the ‘food versus fuel’ debate is one of the key issues in choosing algae as a source of biomass. “Corn ethanol, soybean biodiesel, and most other dedicated energy crops would generally take prime farmland out of production for food, which is problematic when food demand outstrips supply,” said Schideman. “In contrast, algae can be grown just about anywhere – in a polluted pond, in a bio-reactor on top of a power plant, and it can even be harvested out of the ocean. Algae don’t have to directly compete for the land. There are other choices.” Algae can be more productive than corn or soy beans, Schideman noted. “Right now we get about 45-75 gallons per acre for soy biodiesel and around 300-500 gallons per acre for corn ethanol. Current research suggests that we could get anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 gallons per acre for algae biodiesel.” Schideman said there are various options to produce biofuel from algae. “The traditional method is to extract the algae oil from the other biomass components (primarily carbohydrates and proteins) and then convert the oil to biodiesel via transesterification, which is quite similar to soy biodiesel processing,” he explained. “Unfortunately, the predominant methods of algae oil extraction are still relatively expensive.” An alternative processing method is called thermo-chemical conversion, or TCC, a chemical process that transforms organic compounds in a heated and pressurized enclosure to produce a biocrude oil. “TCC gives you the option of processing the algae biomass directly, without drying it or separating out the other fractions,” Schideman said. “It simulates the processes that went on in the earth when our petroleum reserves were formed, you’re just doing it a lot faster. “It’s my opinion that TCC will be a very important technology in helping biofuels from algae become a reality.” Schideman is currently involved with three projects that address significant environmental issues in conjunction with algae-based biofuel production. One project, sponsored by the Dudley Smith Foundation, is focused on combining TCC with algae growth on livestock wastewaters to produce biofuels and reduce the environmental impacts of manure disposal. “We also have some seed funding from the ACES College Office of Research to investigate the feasibility of harvesting natural algae blooms efficiently,” he said. “It’s a new approach to the hypoxia problem created by algae growth in the Gulf of Mexico, that could yield environmental benefits much faster than other proposed hypoxia remediation measures,” Schideman said.

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“Even if farmers cut their fertilizer use by 50 percent today, it would likely take ten to twenty years for excess nutrient flows to wash out of the watershed,” he said. “Harvesting algae provides an immediate solution – you don’t have to wait years to solve the problem.” Schideman is also the advisor on a project that will address carbon sequestration through algae biodiesel production. “Carbon dioxide emissions from the power industry contribute to growing concerns about global climate change,” said Schideman. “Since carbon dioxide is a necessary component for algae growth, this project will sequester carbon dioxide from a local power plant’s exhaust gasses into algae biomass that will subsequently be converted into biofuels.” Students from the local chapters of the Water Environment Federation, and Engineers Without Borders will participate in the project to demonstrate algae bioreactors that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the coal and natural gas stacks at the Abbott power plant in Champaign, Illinois. The resulting biomass will be converted into biodiesel and used to power University vehicles. When Schideman looks to the future, he sees the production of algae biodiesel as a decades-long project. “I think we’re within about ten years of being able to make production economically feasible,” he said, “but do I think algae or any biofuel will replace petroleum in ten years? No. That will require significant infrastructure and regulatory developments that will play out over thirty to fifty years,” he concluded.

A soybean rust short course will be offered August 26th - 27th, 2009. The course has been designed with the agricultural specialist or consultant in mind; the intended audience includes soybean professionals from across the country. As such, we will concenrate on hands-on identification of the disease on the plant. We will also talk about scouting techniques and demonstrate methods we use to maximize the chances of finding the signs of this pathogen in the field. There will be a section concerning field trials at the research station as well. This course will be registered for Pest Management CEUs. The course will be held at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, FL. Registration is FREE. Funding for this course was provided by a grant from the North Central Soybean Research Program. Course participants will be provided with 20X hand lens, disposable gloves, sanitizing stations, relevant publications and handouts, meals and breaks during the training session, plus transportation to scouting sites and farm plot visits. Pre-registration is REQUIRED so we may prepare for the correct number of individuals. For more information and registration please visit our website at: http://www.planthealth.info/pdf_docs/Rust_Course_2009.pdf

Wisconsin is Winning the Battle Against Glyphosate-resistant WeedsChris Boerboom, (608) 262-1392, boerboom@wisc.eduPaul D. Mitchell, (608) 265-6514, pdmitchell@wisc.edu

Madison, Wis. – The best way to win a battle is to not fight the battle in the first place. This is certainly the case with herbicide resistant weeds. If weeds don’t become resistant, growers can keep using existing herbicides to control them. Most recently, glyphosate-resistant weeds have been at the top of the list of concerns. Roundup Ready crops were launched in 1996 and the first report of a glyphosate-resistant weed in the U.S. was horseweed (or marestail) in the year 2000. Chris Boerboom, UW-Extension weed scientist, says “Across the Midwest, we saw the potential of resistance if growers were only going to use glyphosate in corn and soybeans without using other herbicides or practices to break up the cycle.” Because of this risk, UW-Extension hosted a Glyphosate Resistance Roundtable in 2003 for Wisconsin’s agricultural groups to discuss the risk of glyphosate resistance and comment if continued education was needed. With this meeting, Wisconsin’s major commodity, consulting, and retail associations became national leaders and endorsed a Glyphosate Stewardship White Paper, which supported practices to avoid developing resistance. During the past five years, no cases of glyphosate-resistant weeds have been documented in Wisconsin while most other Midwest states have reported one or more glyphosate-resistant weeds such as giant ragweed, common ragweed, waterhemp or horseweed. “We’ve spent a lot of time with Wisconsin corn and soybean growers discussing resistance and practices to reduce the risk of glyphosate-resistant weeds,” says Boerboom. “I think most of our growers and their advisers are doing a relatively good job using diverse weed management programs.” What might set Wisconsin apart? An important practice to slow or avoid the development of resistance is to reduce the number of times glyphosate is used, which can be done by rotating herbicide modes of action. It could be using conventional herbicides in corn and then using glyphosate in soybeans or it could be using a preemergence herbicide followed by glyphosate in the same season. As it turns out, Wisconsin corn and soybean growers may be national leaders in the practice of using multiple herbicides or rotating herbicides. Paul Mitchell, UW-Extension agricultural economist, notes, “We just completed a national survey of corn, soybean, and cotton growers on their weed management practices and found Wisconsin growers were unique. Growers in Wisconsin were more likely to rotate herbicides than corn and soybean growers in any other state, which is likely a major reason we have not had glyphosate-resistant weeds in Wisconsin yet.” Mitchell and Boerboom hope that growers and the agriculture industry in Wisconsin remain leaders in glyphosate stewardship and leave the glyphosate-resistant weed battles to other states. However, they both agree that glyphosate-resistant weeds will eventually show up in Wisconsin and growers will have to spend more to control them. Mitchell and Boerboom hope to delay that day as long as possible.

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Iowa State, ISA Offer New Soybean Disease and Pest Field Guide

2/26/2008 URBANDALE, Iowa-- Iowa soybean growers have a new source of information for the 2008 growing season. Iowa State University and the Iowa Soybean Association have developed a comprehensive soybean resource titled “The Soybean Disease & Pest Management Field Guide.”The field guide contains the latest science-based recommendations on planting tips to increase yield, including the most profitable plant population for today’s seed varieties, row spacing recommendations and planting date recommendations.The guide also includes a section on identifying soybean diseases that limit yield. The insect identification section includes images that will enable the user to easily identify insects that damage the crop, as well as beneficial insects that help keep other insects under control. “New challenges continue to test the skills of soybean producers,” says Curt Sindergard, Iowa Soybean Association president and soybean farmer from Rolfe, Iowa. “From managing soil fertility and profitable planting populations to insect and disease identification and management, this guide will enable soybean growers to meet those challenges with confidence.” “Maximizing soybean production requires careful management of the crop,” says Palle Pedersen, Iowa State University Extension soybean agronomist. “This publication provides growers with the latest research-based soybean production information and will help growers identify production problems accurately when scouting their soybeans.” The pocket-sized book is designed to fit conveniently in a pocket or a glove compartment. The field guide pages are laminated so the user can take it to the field without worry of damage. Pick up the Soybean Disease & Pest Management Field Guide at your local Iowa State University Extension office or at local crop input suppliers that are ISU Corn and Soybean Initiative partners. Or call the IowaSoybean Association at (800) 383-1423. The guide is also available as publication “CSI 0010” through the Iowa State University Extension Distribution Center, (515) 294-5247 or go online. The publication is offered at no cost by IowaState through a partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff.The Iowa Soybean Association develops policies and programs that help farmers expand profit opportunities while promoting environmentally sensitive production using the soybean checkoff and other resources. The ISA is governed by an elected volunteer board of 21 farmers. UPDATE: March 12, 2009 - According to Daren Mueller, Iowa’s Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, approximately 90,000 copies of The Soybean Disease & Pest Management Field Guide have been distributed since it’s release in 2008. Later this Spring, a companion publication for corn will be released by Iowa State University.

To view the entire series of soybean field guides, please visitwww.extension.iastate.edu/store/ListItems aspx?Keyword=csi

Deer Damage Management WorkshopAugust 4-6, 2009 LINCOLN, Neb. — Deer populations are increasing across the United States, and people who live in both urban and rural areas are dealing with the damage they cause. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources will host a deer damage management workshop Aug. 4-6 at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near Omaha. The workshop is primarily designed for state biologists and nuisance wildlife control operators who will incorporate the knowledge and techniques into a career or business. Instructors are white-tail deer specialists Scott Hygnstrom, Paul Curtis, Kurt VerCauteren and Tony DiNicola. The workshop will include shooting, fencing and repelling demonstrations, among others. Opportunities for hands-on experience will help participants develop the skills and techniques to properly control deer. Stephen Vantassel, program coordinator for the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, based at SNR, predicts certain states soon will loosen restrictions on deer damage management. Those with appropriate training should be able to fill that opportunity. “Deer are already becoming a major problem. If our predictions are correct, we expect that workshop attendees will be prepared to respond to the deer damage complaints in their areas,” Vantassel said. Registration is due by April 1 and costs $595. Register by March 31 for the discounted rate of $525. Register online by going to Nebraska Maps and More and clicking on the Event Registration tab in the left-hand margin. Registration is limited to 40.

For more information contact Stephen Vantassel at (402) 472-8961 or svantassel2@unl.edu.

NORTH CENTRAL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT CENTERMARCH 2009

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Nebraska On-Farm Research Website

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension On-Farm Research Website (http://farmresearch.unl.edu) serves as a clearinghouse for on-farm research conducted across Nebraska where Extension is partnering with Nebraska producers and agribusiness representatives to implement well designed, statistically and economically analyzed on-farm research comparisons. Information on the website also provides an educational module for growers on how to develop and implement an on-farm research project. Two groups at UNL have been particularly active in on-farm research efforts: The Nebraska Soybean and Feed Grains Profitability Project combines the efforts of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension faculty, Nebraska producers and agribusiness representatives to help producer members in eastern Nebraska determine profitable production and management practices for localized areas. Members’ equipment is used to establish, manage, and harvest field-size research comparisons. Agribusiness representatives and members monitor the fields and record relevant data. UNL personnel analyze results and document profitability differences among treatments. The Quad County On-Farm Research Project combines the efforts of producers and UNL Extension Educators in Clay, Fillmore, Hamilton, York and surrounding counties to pool resources and take advantage of the research potential that exists on the farm. The projects take advantage of technology such as yield monitors and weigh wagons to collect data from replicated research plots. By pooling data over many sites, the power of the research is amplified! The project also gives producers an opportunity to find answers to questions not currently under research in Nebraska and it allows for testing of University findings on local farms. Each year research projects are selected by the group and participating producers. The goal is to have one study that is conducted by all of the members. Members’ equipment is used to establish, manage, and harvest field-size research comparisons. Producers, consultants, and educators monitor the fields and record relevant data. University personnel analyze results and the information is shared in group meetings. Educational tours, field days and planning sessions are conducted periodically.

Get a List of Publications

www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ListItems.aspx?Keyword=csi

Sweet Corn Pest Identification and Management

To order a high-resolution printed version of Sweet Corn Pest Identification and Management (Purdue Extension publication ID-405), visit:

http://www.extension.purdue.edu/store

Responsible Pest Management for Retailers

We are pleased to release Responsible Pest Management for Retailers -- an online training to help retailers better help customers make the best choices. The training includes sections on integrated pest management, understanding pesticides, understanding labels, human pesticide protection, and store safety.

The site was partially funded by a grant from U.S. EPA Region 5 in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The development team includes George Czapar, David Robson, Martha Smith and Michelle Wiesbrook. You can visit the site at:http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rpmr/