Pest Walks June 6, 2018 and June 20, 2018 – Brian Kunkel, Nancy Gregory, Tracy Wootten and Carrie Murphy Stakeholders in gardens, agribusinesses, or landscapes observe plants in decline. Diseases and pests can impact income due to low quality plants, loss of plants and expenses for management. Plants are affected by pathogens, insect pests, environmental/cultural stresses, or a combination of factors. Management recommendations may be very specific. People may not recognize beneficial insects and predators.

RESPONSE

Attendees at two pest walks offered in Sussex County and New Castle County, Delaware, indicated that they attended due to proximity, interest in topics and for pesticide credits. A Qualtrics survey was distributed to attendees via email a few days after the workshop. We received 17 responses from 26 attendees, to a short and concise survey. In situ and hands-on learning opportunities are known to help people learn to recognize and remember type diseases, beneficial insects and insect pests. Through UD Cooperative Extension Short Course training, participants see examples of plant diseases and arthropods in landscape settings.

IMPACT

There was a range of knowledge before the classes, but 80% indicated that they learned something by their changed responses to a few fact questions such as one about integrated pest management (IPM) involving scouting for both pests and predators. With that increased knowledge, attendees agreed that more targeted use of insecticides was the best strategy. When asked if they would change their IPM practices, 47% indicated they would definitely do so. What changes they might make showed a bit more variation:

26.67% would scout more often
8.89% would plant resistant cultivars
11.11% would explore all possible problems
22.22% would explore the idea of beneficial insects
13.33% would spray less
15.56% would analyze recent weather patterns and determine how they may affect your plant(s)

All attendees learned something new, with 80% strongly agreeing they learned something new, and the remaining 20% somewhat agreeing. Most (80%) will have the opportunity to share new knowledge with others, including colleagues, employees, and students. The “Train the Trainer” aspect of these small group learning opportunities is therefore very valuable. For 63% of attendees, the walk was their first pest walk short course, indicating that new audiences continue to be reached, although walks are done every year.