This document summarizes the results of a survey of Master Gardeners regarding entomology and integrated pest management (IPM). Some key findings were that the most worrisome pests were weeds, insects, and diseases. Many respondents were not aware of biological control products or IPM practices. The top priorities for IPM were identified as minimizing environmental impact and reducing chemical pesticide use. Common hurdles to adopting IPM included a lack of awareness and availability of information. The document also provides guidance on scouting and identifying various common garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars.

1. Entomology for Master Gardeners BCMG needs assessment survey results New Extension Resources Diagnosis of pest problem Dr. Ayanava Majumdar Extension Entomologist Alabama Cooperative Extension System Gulf Coast Research & Extension Center 8300 State Hwy 104, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 Cell phone: 251-331-8416

2. New Extension Resources

7. Survey Results (contd.) Preferred source of learning more about IPM issues: Extension print publications = 64% Workshops/conferences = 40% WWW = 25% Other sources (newspaper/presentations) = 3% Urgent needs for MGs: Need for insect ID cards Hands-on insect ID laboratory More information about local pest problems … .improvements are in the making!

8. Diagnosis of pest problem

17. Flea beetles Strong thick hind-legs (arrow) Various colors (commonly black/striped) Jump when disturbed Generally early season seedling pest

19. Colorado potato beetle Has many host plants, major pest of tomato Has insecticide resistance (e.g., to Sevin in some areas) Has high fecundity – so NE don’t work Rotate chemicals, use alternative strategies

21. Tomato fruitworm Has many host plants, major pest of tomato Has a brown head capsule + longitudinal stripes Feeds with part of it’s body outside the fruit Overwinters as pupa in the top soil

23. Stink bugs Has many host plants Major pest of tomato and cotton Piercing-sucking mouthparts Early attack can destroy blooms and late attack destroy fruits

28. Cabbage looper vs. Imported cabbageworm Cabbage looper (CL) Imported cabbageworm (ICW) Note: no. of abdominal prolegs, larval shape, moth vs. butterfly

36. Thank you for your patience! QUESTIONS?