Jun 11, 2018

University videos are guide to crop, pest management techniques

The Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management program is introducing a YouTube channel that promotes efforts of Iowa State scientists and researchers who provide means-tested crop and pest management solutions to stakeholders in Iowa and beyond.

At the Integrated Pest Management Iowa State University channel, viewers will find content detailing the efforts and reaches of the IPM program, best practices and information, as well as demonstrations on how to properly identify and evaluate various insect and disease pests and their impacts on field crops.

“With the creation of a specified channel for Iowa State IPM, the IPM program will be able to diversify the information and content we create to make it more adaptive, more understandable and more effective in promoting our message,” said Daren Mueller, IPM director and professor of plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State.

“The use of video will further our mission to inform farmers, gardeners and agribusiness professionals of the best crop and pest management techniques, to not only create optimal yields, but to prevent pest resistance and other adverse consequences of chemical misuse,” he said.

In addition, the new channel features videos from the ISU Extension and Outreach Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic about identifying horticultural diseases and pests in homes and gardens, as well as showcases “How To…” videos about sampling and pest prevention.

The channel also features custom playlists of video content created outside of the Iowa State IPM program, as a way to communicate the efforts and research of various departments across several universities in the region to promote the overall mission of Integrated Pest Management: helping stakeholders effectively and safely manage pests.

The YouTube channel is one of several ways the IPM program will promote means-tested practices for crop and pest management. Viewers have the option to subscribe to the channel and stay informed of all new videos. To stay up-to-date activities on all IPM topics, follow the program on Twitter @IPM_ISU.

Photo above: Growers will find the best information available for managing disease and insect pests on the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management YouTube channel.