Pdec.ifas.ufl.edu
County Extension Faculty - 2009 ROA and 2010 POW
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES
This agent originally had the responsibility for commercial vegetable production in Palm Beach County.
The agent was further assigned with the responsibility for commercial production of tropical fruits in the County due to retirement of the former tropical fruit agent.
Assisted by two sets of advisory committees, for vegetables and tropical fruits, the agent delivers extension and research programs including insect/disease/weed IPM, and BMP in soil nutrients, irrigation, and post-harvest food safety.
Specific Duties by Percentage
I. Improving IPM and BMP in Vegetable Production 75 %
II. Enhancing IPM and Sustainability for Tropical Fruit Production 20 %
III. 4-H and Other Extension Activities: 5%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
3. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
►Commercial production of vegetables and tropical fruits
► Integrated pest management of nematodes, insects, diseases, and weeds
4. ASSIGNED ACTIVITY SINCE LAST PROMOTION (NOT TO EXCEED TEN YEARS), OR SINCE UF EMPLOYMENT, whichever is more recent -
| |2010-11 |2009-10 |2008-09 |2007-08 | | |
|Teaching |0% |0% |0% |0% | | |
|Research |0% |0% |0% |0% | | |
|Service |0% |0% |0% |0% | | |
|Extension |0% |0% |0% |0% | | |
| | | | | | | |
|Clinical 0% 0% 0% 0% | | | | | | |
|0% 0% 0% | | | | | | |
|Clinical |0% |0% |0% |0% | | |
|TOTAL |100% |100% |100% |100% | | |
5. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
|Educational Background |
|University |Program Area |Degree |Year |
| University of Nebraska | Plant Pathology |Ph.D. |1998 |
| | | | |
| Northeast Agricultural Univ. | Plant Genetics |M.S. |1987 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|University | | | |
| Northeast Agricultural Univ. | Agronomy |B.S. |1981 |
6. EMPLOYMENT
Employment Listing
|University/ Organization |Title |Permanent |Year |
| | |Status* | |
| UF/IFAS |Extension Agent II |Accruing |04/2008 - Present |
|Palm Beach County Extension | | | |
|A&L Agricultural Laboratories |Nematologist | |04/2002 – 04/2008 |
| Clemson University |Postdoctoral Fellow | No |12/1999 – 04/2002 |
|University of Illinois |Research Associate |No |11/1996 –12/1999 |
|University of Nebraska |Research Assistant |No |08/1989 – 11/1996 |
|Soybean Institute |Soybean Geneticist | |12/1981 – 08/1989 |
|Northeast Agricultural University |Teaching Assistant |No |08/1977 – 12/1981 |
|Yongli Middle School |Math, Physics Teacher |No |08/1974 – 08/1977 |
*permanent status accruing
7. YEAR TENURE/PERMANENT STATUS WAS AWARDED BY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – NA
8. UF TENURE AND PROMOTION CRITERIA-
9. TEACHING, ADVISING, AND/OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL-None
10. TEACHING EVALUATIONS – None
11. GRADUATE FACULTY STATUS – NA
12. GRADUATE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES – None
13. RESEARCH NARRATIVE– None
14. CREATIVE WORKS OR ACTIVITIES
Exhibits and displays (1)
“Asian Flair” vegetable garden. Planted and grew 12 different varieties of Asian vegetables in pots for a live display, 2010 South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach.
2009 (Total 1)
“Asian Fusion” vegetable displays at South Florida Fair
Instructional Multi-Media Presentations (11)
Sui, D. D. and Funderburk, J. E. 2010. Western Flower Thrip Monitoring for Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Production. A short presentation at EPAF, Lake Buena Vista, FL. focusing on WFT ID monitoring and conservation of beneficial insects to reduce culls in pepper production (22 slides).
Sui, D. D., Stall, W. M., Raid, R. N., and McAvoy, E. J. 2010. Evaluation of Herbicides for Management of Weeds in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) (15 slides).
Sui, D. D. 2010. Cold Protection in Vegetable Production. Summary of best management practices (early preparedness for cold protection structures and inventory, following weather forecast by national weather service and UF/IFAS FAWN, proper measures to take according to particular types of cold event such as radiation and advection types, and timing and how to avoid potential pitfalls in cold protection. West Palm Beach, FL. (30 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Cold Protection in Tropical Fruit Production. 2010. Summary of best management practices (variety selection in light of cold tolerance, early preparedness for cold protection structures and inventory, following weather forecast by national weather service and UF/IFAS FAWN, proper measures to take according to particular types of cold event such as radiation and advection types, and timing and how to avoid potential pitfalls in cold protection. West Palm Beach, FL. (25 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Fumigation Technology Update. Summary of new fumigation practices based on the new EPA rules on fumigants. In light of methyl bromide phasing out, introducing MB alternatives, such as Telon II, Chloropicrin, V-Pam, Vydate, and combo-treatment such as Pic-Chlor 60. West Palm Beach, FL. (28 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Western Flower Thrip Monitoring and TSWV in Pepper and Tomato Production. Summary of IPM practices in reducing damage by direct WFT feeding and oviposition and by Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus infection, which is vectored by WFT, of pepper and tomato. The key to success is to effectively manage WFT by monitoring its population and applying UF/IFAS economic threshold. West Palm Beach, FL. (41 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Management of Lettuce Bacterial Spot Disease. Summary of integrated disease management strategies in response to the recent outbreak, winter of 2009, of bacterial spot disease in leafy green production. The slide show describe multi-prong approach in battling the BSD, starting with clean seeds, managing alternative hosts on ditch banks, rotation with non-leafy crops, increase distance from Spring Mix production which uses overhead irrigation and prone to BSD, breeding for resistance, and fungicide/Agriphage protection. Belle Glade, FL. (25 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Selection, Establishment, Care, and Pruning of Tropical Fruits. A teaching module for semi-annual Master Gardener training. West Palm Beach, FL. (33 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Vegetable Gardening in South Florida. A teaching module for vegetable gardeners - residential, community, and school gardening. This is one in a bi-monthly “Veggie Fever” series, which captures the increasing popularity in the community for fresh food and healthy diet. West Palm Beach, FL. (45 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Vegetable Gardening – Selection, Establishment, and Culture. A teaching module for semi-annual Master Gardener training. West Palm Beach, FL. (53 slides)
Sui, D. D. 2010. Pepper Growing Basics. A teaching module for vegetable gardeners - residential, community, and school gardening. This is one in a bi-monthly “Veggie Fever” series, which captures the increasing popularity in the community for fresh food and healthy diet. West Palm Beach, FL. (40 slides)
2009 (Total 8) Instructional Multi-Media presentations on topics such as Sri Lanka Weevil Damages on Tropical Fruit Trees and IPM Strategies, Western Flower Thrip ID and IPM Strategies in Pepper Production, Home Vegetable Gardening, Community Vegetable Gardening, Nutsedge Control in Parsley Production on Muck Soil, Western Flower Thrip ID and IPM Strategies on Pepper Production, Master Gardeners Vegetable Gardening, and Master Gardeners Tropical Fruit Gardening, range of slides was 15-90
2008 (Total 3) Instructional ppt-slide presentations for pesticide applicator training on topics such as Natural Area Weed Management, Aquatic Weed Control, and Right of Way Pest Management, range of slides was 23 to 46.
Others
2009:
Created LISTSERV accounts for vegetable and tropical fruit extension service with clientele - PBCGROWERS-L@lists.ufl.edu and PBCTF-L@lists.ufl.edu, and replaced the ground-mail system.
15. PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS – None.
16. PUBLICATIONS:
a. Books, Sole Author: None
b. Books, Co-authored: None
c. Books, Edited: None
d. Books, Contributor of Chapter(s):
Sui, D. D., Lamberts, M. L., McAvoy, E. J., Whidden, A. J., and Snodgrass, C. A. Production of Major Asian Vegetable Production in Florida. Vance Publishing Corporation. 2010-11 Edition, Pp.77-82.
e. Monographs: None
f. Refereed Publications: None
g. Non-refereed Publications:
o Professional Society Annual Conference Proceedings (3):
Sui, D. D., Stall, W. M., Raid, R. N., and McAvoy, E. J. 2010. Evaluation of Herbicides for Management of Weeds in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
Sui, D. D.,McAvoy, E. J., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., Raid, R. N., Nagata, R. T., Pernezny, K. L., and Jones, J. C. 2010. Bacterial Spot Resistant Pepper Trials in Florida. Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
Sui, D. D., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., McAvoy, E. J., and Lamberts, M. L. 2010. A Survey of the Effectiveness of Current Methods Used for the Freeze Protection of Vegetables in South Florida. Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
2009 (Total of 1):
Sui, D. D. and J. Funderburk. Western Flower Thrip Management. Proc. Fla. State Ent. Soc. 2009.
o Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) (1)
Sui, D. D., Rosaro, S., Wright, A. L., Havranek, N., and Y. Luo, Y. G. 2010. Spring Mix - An Emerging Crop for Florida. EDIS. #SL323. .
2009 (Total of 2) Publications:
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L. Hanlon, E. A., and McCray, J. M. Persistence of Plant-Available Phosphorus in Muck Soils after Fertilizer Application. EDIS. 2009. #SL290. .
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L., Hanlon, E., A., and Rice, R. W. 2009. Soil pH effects on nutrient availability in the Everglades Agricultural Area. EDIS. 2009. #SL287. .
o Newsletter Articles:
2011 (Total of 18) Newsletters:
Sui, D. D., and McAvoy E. J. et al. South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline Newsletter. 2011 (Bi-weekly).
2010 (Total of 18) Newsletters:
Sui, D. D., and McAvoy E. J. et al. South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline Newsletter. 2010 (Bi-weekly).
2009 (Total of 18) Publications:
Sui, D. D., and McAvoy E. J. et al. South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline Newsletter. 2009 (Bi-weekly).
o Trade Journal Articles (3)
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L., and Mylavarapu, R. Managing High pH Soils for Crop Production. Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 563. November 2010. Pp. 1-5.
Sui, D. D. Weed War. Florida Grower. September 2010. Pp.20-21.
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L., Luo, Y. G., Havranek, N., Rice, R. W., and Ye, R. Z. Elemental Sulfur Use for Increasing Phosphorus Availability to Lettuce in Everglades Agricultural Area Soil. Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 558. June 2010. Pp. 1-4.
2009 (Total of 3) Publications:
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L., Guzman, V. L., and Rice, W. R. Banding Fertilizer in Celery Yields Multiple Benefits. Citrus & Vegetable. May 2009: Pp. 22.
Sui, D. D., Wright, A. L., and Rice, R. W. Managing pH of Muck Soils for Vegetable Production. The Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 546. June 2009. Pp. 9-12.
Sui, D. D., McAvoy, E. J., Pernezny, K. L, Nagata, R. T., and Parmenter, D. Evaluation of Bacterial Spot Resistant Bell Peppers, Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 2009. Pp. 258-263.
h. Bibliographies: None
i. Abstracts (4)
Sui, D. D. and Funderburk, J. E. 2010. Western Flower Thrip Monitoring for Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Production.
Sui, D. D., Stall, W.M., Raid, R. N., and McAvoy, E. J. 2010. Evaluation of Herbicides for Management of Weeds in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
Sui, D. D., McAvoy, E. J., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., Raid, R. N., Nagata, R. T., Pernezny, K. L., and Jones, J. C. 2010. Bacterial Spot Resistant Pepper Trials in Florida. Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
Sui, D. D., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., McAvoy, E. J., and Lamberts, M. L. 2010. A Survey of the Effectiveness of Current Methods Used for the Freeze Protection of Vegetables in South Florida. Proc. Fl. St. Hort. Soc. Vol. 123 (in press).
2009 (Total 1) Publications:
Sui, D. D., and Funderburk, J. E. Western Flower Thrip Management. Proc. Fl. St. Ent. Soc. 2009. Vol. 3. Pp. 67.
j. Reviews (2)
Hochmuth, G. J., and Hanlon, E. A. 2010. Commercial Vegetable Fertilization Principles. EDIS. #SL319. ..
Hochmuth, G. J., and Hanlon, E. A. 2010. A Summary of N, P, and K Research with Sweet Corn in Florida. EDIS. #SL326. .
2009 (Total of 1) Review:
Paret, M. L., and Olson, S. M. Integrated Management of White Mold on Vegetables in Florida. EDIS. #PP276.
k. Miscellaneous: None
17. LECTURES, SPEECHES OR POSTERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES/MEETINGS
International
o Invited: None
o Selected: None
o Contributed: None
National
o Invited: None
o Selected: None
o Contributed: None
Regional
o Invited: None
o Selected: None
o Contributed: None
State
o Invited: None
o Selected (1):
Sui, D. D. and Funderburk, J. E. 2010. Western Flower Thrip Monitoring for Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Production. EPAF Annual Meeting, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
2009 (Total of 1):
Sui, D. D. (Presenter) and Funderburk, J. E. 2009. Western Flower Thrip Management. Fl. St. Ent. Soc. Ft. Myers, FL
o Contributed: None
Local
o Invited:
Sui, D. D. (Presenter). 2010. Home Gardening of Vegetable. Seminar Series at Palm Beach County Public Library – Jupiter Branch.
2009 (Total of 3)
Sui, D. D. (Presenter). Update of Invasive Pests to Tropical Fruits. Rare Fruit Council Palm Beach Chapter, 2009.
Sui, D. D. (Presenter). Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt, A threat to Avocado and Landscaping Trees. Rare Fruit Council Palm Beach Chapter, 2009.
Sui, D. D. (Presenter). Sri Lanka Weevil, A New Menace to South Florida Agriculture, Rare Fruit Council Palm Beach Chapter, 2009.
o Selected
o Contributed:
Sui, D. D. (Contributor), Crane, J. H., and Osborne, J. L. Cold Injury Prevention for Tropical Fruit Trees. Rare Fruit Council Palm Beach Chapter, 2009.
2. CONTRACTS AND GRANTS
a. Funded Externally
|Years | | | | |If Co-PI, |
|(e.g, | | | | |Specify % |
|2007-2009) |Contractor or Grantor | |Grant Amount |PI, Co-PI or | |
| | |Project Title | |Investigator | |
|2009-2010 |USDA |Optimization of Leafy Greens Production in Florida|$475,000 |Co-PI |3% |
|2010-2011 |USDA |Development of Management Strategies for |$200,000 |Co-PI |3% |
| | |Integrated Control of Sri Lanka Weevil in Tropical| | | |
| | |Fruits and Ornamentals. | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|Total | | |$675,000 | |6% |
Summary of External Grant Funding Received (current)
Summary of External Grant Funding
|Role |Total |Direct Costs |Indirect Costs |
|Principal Investigator |$0 |$0 |$0 |
|Co-Principal Investigator |$20,250 |$10,250 |$10,000 |
|Investigator |$0 |$0 |$0 |
|Sponsor of Junior Faculty |$0 |$0 |$0 |
|TOTALS |$20,250 |$10,250 |$10,000 |
b. Funded Internally. (1)
| | | | | |If Co-PI, |
| | | | | |Specify % |
| |Contractor or Grantor | |Grant Amount |PI, Co-PI or | |
|Years | |Project Title | |Investigator | |
|2010-2011 |University of Florida |Integrated Pest management of |$1,500 |Co-PI |3% |
| | |Western Flower Thrip on Peppers and | | | |
| | |Tomatoes | | | |
| | | | | | |
|Total | | | | | |
Summary of Internal Grant Funding (Current)
|Role |Total |
|Principal Investigator |$0 |
|Co-Principal Investigator |$45 |
|Investigator |$0 |
|Sponsor of Junior Faculty |$0 |
| TOTALS |$45 |
c. Submitted, Pending Decision.
|Years of | | |PI, Co-PI, or |If Co-PI |
|Contract or |Contractor or | |Investigator |Specific Responsibilities |
|Grant |Grantor |Project Title | | |
|2011-12 |Grant |Growing Lemongrass for a Value Added |Co-PI |Extension service in |
| | |Crop and Fresh Market | |growing technology and |
| | | | |marketing |
| | | | | |
d. Submitted But Not Funded. Indicate resubmissions if any.
|Years of | | |PI, Co-PI, or |If Co-PI |
|Contract or |Contractor or | |Investigator |Specific Responsibilities |
|Grant |Grantor |Project Title | | |
|2009-2010 |University of |Integrated Pest management of Western |Co-PI |Work with the PI, project |
| |Florida |Flower Thrip on Peppers and Tomatoes. | |personnel and general |
| | | | |public to organize |
| | | | |extension meetings to |
| | | | |disseminate project |
| | | | |findings. |
|2008-2009 |USDA |Expansion of Salad Mix in the Eastern |Co-PI |Work with the PI, project |
| | |United States: Development and | |personnel and general |
| | |Improvement of Production Practices, | |public to organize |
| | |Marketing, and Food Safety. | |extension meetings to |
| | | | |disseminate project |
| | | | |findings. |
e. In-kind Contributions
|Year |Type |Donor |Amount |
|2010 |Program Sponsorships |Growers and ag-industries |$25,000 |
|2010 |40 Volunteer hours |Master Gardeners and growers |$711 |
|2009 |Program Sponsorships |Growers and ag-industries |$22,850 |
|2009 |50 Volunteer hours |Master Gardeners and growers |$889 |
|2008 |Program Sponsorships |Growers and ag-industries |$5,750 |
|2008 |35 Volunteer hours |Master Gardeners and growers |$622 |
|Total |$55,822 |
Use this statement for volunteer hours:
“Calculation of economic value of trained volunteers’ contribution to extension programs: According to 2007 Florida data from the Independent Sector () the estimated dollar value of a volunteer hour is $17.78 (this includes estimated fringe benefits, update this value yearly and the values used for each year should be reported individually). In Extension, trained volunteers are contributing to Extension programs by dedicating their time, skills, talent, and expertise under supervision or guidance by faculty.”
f. Monetary Contributions (includes fees and contributions to our foundations, etc.)
|Year |Donor |Amount |
|2010 |Pesticide Industry |$3,300 |
|2010 |Finland Vegetable Growers Association |$2,000 |
|2009 |Dominican Republic Vegetable Program through USAID |$2,000 |
|2008 | | |
|Total | |$7,300 |
| | | |
19. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE - list in reverse chronological order.
| |Name of Activity, |Your Role, |
|Years |Committee, etc. |e.g., member, chair, etc. |
|2010 |►FSHS Board of Directors |Vegetable Sec. VP-Elect |
| | | |
| |►Focus team: G1-F1-C6 |Member |
| |►Focus Team: G1-F4 |Member |
| |►EREC Advisory Committee |Member |
|2009 |►Search & Screening committees for Plant Breeder at EREC |Member |
| |►Focus team: G1-F1-C6. |Member |
| |►Prep Committee for Food Safety Series, Ft. Meyers. |Member |
|2008 |►Annual FL tomato Institute, Ft. Meyers. |Moderator |
20. CONSULTATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY: None
21. EDITOR OF A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL, SERVICE ON AN EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD OR REVIEWER FOR A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL: None
22. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES –
In. 2010. This agent coordinated a 2-day vegetable tour for the Finland Vegetable and Fruits Association, and provided educational seminars, meetings, and field demonstrations of vegetable production and field harvest through guided tours of field crops, packing houses and packing coolers. The agent worked with CED, Audrey Norman, and Mounts Botanical Garden Curator, Allen Sistrunk, and vegetable specialist, Dr. Alan Wright in coordinating the 2-day vegetable tour. The 15-member Finnish group visited EREC, Palm Beach County Extension Service, Mounts Botanical Garden, Duda & Sons, TKM Farms, Bedner Farms, and Alderman Farms. The program goal was to educate and assist the Finnish group in developing its own Research/Extension programs to support vegetable and fruit production, food safety, and trade with the U.S.
Dec. 2008. The agent hosted a vegetable postharvest tour of Dominican Republic vegetable extension group. Working with three vegetable specialists and vegetable growers we provided educational seminars, meetings, and field demonstrations of vegetable production and field harvest through guided tours of field crops, packing houses and packing coolers for the two-day visit. The short program for the 11-member Dominican Republic vegetable extension group is sponsored by International Development Program for vegetable grower education (a USAID program) and hosted by this agent and vegetable growers in Palm Beach County – Farming Systems Research, Swank’s Fresh Produce, Hydro Delights, Duda & Sons, and TKM Farms. The program goal is to educate and assist Dominican Republic in developing its own Research/Extension programs to support vegetable production, food safety, and trade with the U.S.
23. EXTENSION PROGRAM
Role and Activities of Your Advisory Committee:
Explain how your advisory committee helps in the identification of your educational programs and how you have addressed clientele or societal needs, problems, concerns or issues (i.e., needs assessment) and that you have complied with IFAS guidelines on advisory committees. Include the dates (at least two per year) of advisory committee meetings, and geographic, socioeconomic and racial representation of members.
| |Program title |
|I |Improving IPM and BMP of Insects, Diseases and Weeds in Vegetable Production |
|II |Enhancing IPM and Sustainability for Tropical Fruit Production |
|III |4-H and Other Extension Activities |
I. Improving IPM and BMP of Insects, Diseases and Weeds in Production of Vegetables
A. Situation:
Palm Beach County is ranked #1 among all the Florida counties for annual vegetable sales, $409 million compared to the $2 billion State total (2007 Census). Palm Beach County also ranked #1 in annual sales revenue of bell peppers (14,000 acres for $104 million), sweet corn (40,000 acres for $160 million), leafy greens (20,000 acres for $80 million), and Spring Mix (1,000 acres for $6 million) among all counties in the State of Florida.
Vegetable growers face many challenges in vegetable production including insects, diseases, weeds, muck subsidence and soil pH change, escalating costs of fertilizer, fuel and labor, irrigation technology, and nuisance animals in crop production and food safety as well as cold weather injuries. These are all serious challenges that currently limit vegetable production in Palm Beach County. Three examples:
1. Vegetable production in south Florida faces high disease pressure, such as bacterial spot, downy mildew, and phytophthora, therefore, frequent adopting to newly arrived cultivars which are disease resistant and high yield is necessary. This posts challenge to some growers who has often gotten used to growing the older varieties and hesitant to make the switch for higher seed cost and uncertainty of the return. This agent’s educational program takes the collaboration of the extension agent, UF/IFAS specialists (who provide research expertise), and growers (who provide the land and plant care as in-kind support) in conducting on-farm IPM variety trials under commercial settings which provide growers up-close evaluation thus confidence to change to the new varieties.
2. Vegetable production in Palm Beach County which is in subtropical region also faces high pressure of insects, disease, and weeds. Over-reliance on pesticides has frequently resulted chemical resistance and “burn-out” good pesticides in a short number of years. Suspension of Spinosin-related insecticides from eastern Palm Beach/Broward counties and the increase of “Roundup” resistant weeds are just some unfortunate examples in vegetable production. This agent’s educational program takes the collaboration of the extension agent, UF/IFAS specialists, and growers in conducting on-farm IPM/IRM trials which provide growers up-close evaluation of how the IPM/IRM strategies work under commercial settings, and makes intuitive sense for the growers to change their farming routine to IPM/IRM practices.
3. Muck soil subsidence has resulted soil pH increase which makes many soil nutrients unavailable to plant growth, especially phosphorous and many micronutrients. Increased P-fertilization can mitigate P-deficiency problem, however, with increased pressure from EPA numeric nutrient criteria, growers under such complex situation and uncertain coming regulations are in need of alternative approaches in BMP strategies. This agent’s educational program takes the collaboration of the extension agent, UF/IFAS specialists, and growers in conducting on-farm BMP trials which provide growers up-close evaluation of how the IPM/IRM strategies work under their farmiliar commercial settings. This makes intuitive sense for the growers to change their farming routine to IPM/IRM practices.
Assisted by the agent’s advisory committee, many research-extension projects have been developed to address these challenges. These include the projects:
► Bell pepper variety trials for improved yield and resistance to bacterial leaf spot;
►Crop spacing trials for pepper production;
►Tomoto N-P-K rate trials;
►WFT monitoring and IPM for bell peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables;
►Optimization of leafy green production which has received $475,000 in USDA grant;
►Sweet corn variety trials for improved yield, flavor, resistance to southern blight, northen blight, and rust diseases;
►Sweetcorn insecticide trials for management of silk worms, silk flies, and corn borer;
►Snap bean variety trials for improved yield and resistance to bean rust and bacterial blight;
►Basil variety trials for improved yield and resistacne to downy mildew and fusarium diseases;
►Basil fungicide trials for management of downy mildew and Fusarium diseases;
►Basil herbicide trials for management of amaranths, purslaine, and lambsquaerter;
►Parsley herbicide trials for management of nutsedges;
►Lettuce trials for improved phosphorus fertilization strategies;
►Lettuce variety trials for resistance to lettuce bacterial spot, early blight, corky root, and mosaic virus diseases;
►Broccoli variety trials to improve yield, quality, and resistance to downy mildew disease;
►Insecticide trials on Chinese vegetables for management of diamondback moth, imported cabbage moth, cabbage loopers, and other lepdopterean insects;
►Master Gardeners vegetable gardening classes;
►Restricted use pesticcide review classes;
►Grower Workshops, such as, vegetable IPM/BMP, soil nutriet management, produce marketing, food safety, and methyl bromide alternative;
►Field day demonstrations;
►Fact Sheets;
►Newsletters;
►Professional Presentaions.
Through these field trials, workshops, fact sheets, newsletters and other educational approaches, this agent delivers the following seventeen (17) IPM and BMP principles and train vegetable growers, managers, field foremen, field scouts, ag-chemical company representatives, and ag-consulting companies:
►Using disease/insect resistant varieties that provide high yield and quality;
►Using the best rate in UF/IFAS recommendations in vegetable fertilization for highest yield, best fertilizer return, and improvement of water quality;
►Following food safety and pesticide safety regulations to produce safe and quality vegetables;
►Planting of refugia plants to encourage beneficial predators;
►Rotation with non-host crops to reduce occurrence of diseases and insects;
►No stretching of the growing season at either end (Sept. to May);
►Planting cover crops or maintaining fields under flood during the summer months;
►Field scouting of diseases and insects to maximize early management window;
►Using beneficial insects as the first line of defense and only consider supplementing with an pesticide spray event when the insect populations have exceeded the UF-IFAS economic threshold;
►When spraying is necessary, choose to use “soft chemistries”, which conserve beneficial insects, over harsh chemicals, which are prone to inducing chemical resistance in insect, to improve natural environment;
►Following the labels for safe and proper pesticide/herbicide applications;
►Rotating between soft pesticides, with different mode-of-action chemistry groups, to minimize the risk of chemical resistance build-up;
►Stop pesticide spraying and hand over the insect control back to beneficial when the monitoring program indicates that the insect has been brought under acceptable level;
►For fields with history of high weed pressure, choose pre-bedding and pre-emergence treatment over post-emerence treatment.
►Conduct timely field sanitation, by incorporating plant residues into the soil or removing old plants within 1 week after harvest;
►Prepared for cold protection strategies and inventory before winer season;
►Find market before growing espically for starting growers;
►Keep records (pesticide application, irriagation, fertilization, and harvest etc) for successful food safety and environmental audits.
Target audience(s):
Vegetable growers, managers, field foremen, field scouts, agro-chemical company representatives, ag-consulting companies and general public.
B. Program Objectives
Objective 1:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 20% due to adoption of IPM principles in using disease resistant and high yield varieties among 15 participating farms in Palm Beach County of this agent’s IPM/BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
Objective 2:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 20% due to adoption of IPM principles in disease/insect/weed management among 15 participating farms in Palm Beach County of this agent’s IPM/BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
Objective 3:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 20% and P-leaching will be reduced by 5% due to adoption of UF/IFAS BMP principles in fertilizer application and soil nutrient management among six (6) participating farms (5,000 acres) in Palm Beach County of this agent’s fertilizer BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
C. Educational Methods and Activities
Working with UF/IFAS entomologists and vegetable specialists, growers, chemical companies and staff, the agent developed programs for dissemination and delivery of the current research results and knowledge to growers. The delivery methods included grower meetings, workshops, field days, fact sheets, newsletters, and professional presentations.
Workshops (29):
Pepper Workshop. Nov. 23, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (45) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Healthy Options: A produce marketing workshop. Sep. 28, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (31) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Prepping for Fall Planting & Food Safety Workshop. Aug. 28, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (54) were primarily community vegetable gardeners, school, and residential gardeners.
Fumigation Workshop. Aug. 19, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (49) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Lettuce Grower Meeting. Aug. 18, 2010. NutriPhite Products Update. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (37) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Vegetable Gardening – New Trend and Growing Pains. May 20, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (29) were Master Gardeners training class.
Thrip Integrated Pest Management Workshop. Mar. 24, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (23) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Lettuce Grower Meeting. Feb. 17, 2010. Fungicide Products Update. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (34) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Navigating the Canadian Marketplace. Jan. 20, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (12) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, Ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Lettuce Grower Meeting. Nov. 4, 2009. Muck Soil Subsidence/pH Management and Fertilizers Update. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (25) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Food Safety Workshop - Developing a Food Safety Program for Vegetable and Fruit Growers/Packers. Oct. 27, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (34) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers/packers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Produce Safety Hearing for Small Farms (Polycom Co-Provider). Oct. 23, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (8) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Nourishing Communities Workshop. Sep. 19, 2009. Taught soil prepping and soil nutrient management in vegetable gardening. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (208) were primarily community vegetable gardeners, school, and residential gardeners.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Aquatic Weed Control. Sep. 14, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (12) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Soil Nutrients Management Workshop on muck subsidence and soil nutrients management. Aug. 26, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (37) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers and ag-companies.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Nat. Area Weed Control. Aug. 3, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Aquatic Weed Control. Jun. 1, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Vegetables - Time and Change in the Garden. May 20, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (29) were Master Gardeners training class.
Methyl Bromide Alternative Workshop. May 6, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (27) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers and ag-companies.
Non-insurable-crop Assistance Program. May 4, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily vegetable and fruit growers.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Right-of-Way. Apr. 6, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (16) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Lettuce Grower Meeting. Mar. 4, 2009. Update on New Bayer Insecticides and Fungicides Labeled for Leafy Vegetables. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (28) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Aquatic Weed Control. Mar. 2, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Western Flower Thrip/Whitefly IPM Workshop. Feb. 3, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (18) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Nat. Area Weed Control. Feb. 2, 2009. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (7) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Standard Core. Dec.1, 2008. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Restricted Use Pesticide Review/Right-of-Way. Nov. 3, 2008. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (12) were primarily pesticide applicators.
Lettuce Grower Meeting. Oct. 13, 2008. Update on UF/IFAS Research/Extension and IEH Laboratory Services for Leafy Vegetables. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (31) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Western Flower Thrip ID Hands-on Workshop. Oct.1, 2008. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (39) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Field Days (10):
Beans Variety Trials. Dec. 2, 2010. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (32) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Beans Herbicide Trials. Dec. 2, 2010. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (31) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Pepper Variety Trials. Jan. 15, 2010. Delray Beach, FL. Audiences (23) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Basil Field Day (fungicide/herbicide/variety trials). Dec. 21, 2009. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (35) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Asian Vegetable Insecticide Trials. May 22, 2009. Loxahatchee, FL. Audiences (8) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Tomato TYLC Trials. Apr. 28, 2009. Immokalee, FL. Audiences (70) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Lettuce Variety Trials. Mar. 3, 2009. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (7) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Lettuce Fertilizer Trials. Mar. 3, 2009. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (8) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Basil Herbicide Trials. Feb. 9, 2009. Boynton Beach, FL. Audiences (15) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Parsley Herbicide Trials. Feb. 9, 2009. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (17) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Fact Sheets (15):
What to look for in a Bean Variety. Dec. 2, 2010. Distributed at a bean variety trials field day. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (32) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Beans Herbicide Facts. Dec. 2, 2010. Distributed at a bean herbicide trials field day. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (31) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Produce Marketing Strategies. Sep. 28, 2010. Distributed at a Healthy Options Workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (31) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Facts on Methyl Bromide Alternatives. Distributed at a Fumigation Workshop. Aug. 19, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (49) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Bell Pepper Variety Facts. Jan. 15, 2010. Distributed at a field day of bell pepper variety trials. Delray Beach, FL. Audiences (23) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Basil Fungicide Facts. Dec. 21, 2009. Distributed at a basil field day. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (35) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Basil Herbicide Facts. Dec. 21, 2009. Distributed at a basil field day. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (35) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Basil Variety Facts. Dec. 21, 2009. Distributed at a basil field day. Belle Glade, FL. Audiences (35) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Food Safety Facts. Oct. 27, 2009. Distributed at a food safety workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (34) were primarily vegetable growers/packers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Facts on the Muck – Subsidence and pH Change: Aug. 26, 2009. Distributed at a Soil Nutrients Management Workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (37) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers and ag-companies.
Insecticide Rate Chart for Leafy Greens. May 20, 2009. Distributed at a field day of Asian vegetable insecticide trials. Loxahatchee, FL. Audiences (8) were primarily vegetable growers and ag-companies.
Fumigation in Post-Methyl-Bromide Era. May 6, 2009. Distributed at a Methyl Bromide Alternative Workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (27) were primarily vegetable/fruit growers and ag-companies.
Insurance To Do List before Disaster Hits. May 4, 2009. Distributed at a NAP Workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (13) were primarily vegetable and fruit growers.
Resistance Chart of Pepper Varieties to Races of Bacterial Spot Disease. Jan. 15, 2009. Distributed at pepper variety trials field day, Delray Beach, FL. Audiences (23) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Thrip Facts. Oct.1, 2008. Distributed at Western Flower Thrip ID Hands-on Workshop. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (39) were primarily vegetable growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Newsletters (bi-weekly) (36):
South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline. The agent being one of the editors of the bi-weekly newsletters, both online and by mail with distribution to 1,400 readers, updates of growers, ag-companies, and the general public about the current results by networking scouts on pests/diseases, as well as educating of targeted audiences on UF/IFAS recommendations on IPM and BMP in vegetable production.
Professional society presentations (4):
Sui, D. D., Stall, W. M., Raid, R. N., and McAvoy, E. J. 2010. Evaluation of Herbicides for Management of Weeds in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Fl. St. Hort. Soc., Crystal River, FL. Audiences (50) were primarily extension professionals and some growers.
Sui, D. D.,McAvoy, E. J., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., Raid, R. N., Nagata, R. T., Pernezny, K. L., and Jones, J. C. 2010. Bacterial Spot Resistant Pepper Trials in Florida. Fl. St. Hort. Soc., Crystal River, FL. Audiences (50) were primarily extension professionals and some growers.
Sui, D. D., Ozores-Hampton, M. P., McAvoy, E. J., and Lamberts, M. L. 2010. A Survey of the Effectiveness of Current Methods Used for the Freeze Protection of Vegetables in South Florida. Fl. St. Hort. Soc., Crystal River, FL. Audiences (50) were primarily extension professionals and some growers.
Sui, D. D. and J. Funderburk. 2009. Western Flower Thrip Management. Fla. St. Ent. Soc., Ft. Myers, FL. Audiences (43) were primarily extension specialists, extension agents, and some growers.
Summary of group teaching events for Program I.
|Instructor |Number of Events |Number of Participants |
|Self |59 |3,091 |
|Prog. Assit. | | |
|Volunteer |7 |110 |
Summary of clientele reached for Program I.
|I. Improving IPM and BMP in Vegetable Production |
|Number of Educational Materials Developed |49 |
|Number of Clientele Contacts |4,706 |
|field consultations |275 |
|office consultations |220 |
|telephone consultations |310 |
|group teaching participants |3,201 |
|e-mail consultations |700 |
|Web site visits |640 |
D. Outcomes and Impacts
Objective 1 was:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 20% due to adoption of IPM principles in using disease resistant and high yield varieties among 15 participating farms (10,000 acres) in Palm Beach County of this agent’s IPM/BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
Outcomes for Objective 1:
According to grower surveys conducted during the 2009-10 seasons, of pepper, basil, beans, sweet corn, broccoli, and lettuce, the average vegetable yield has increased by 18% (ranges from 10 – 28%). Note, the control standard variety has changed to better yield performers (e.g. in pepper it has changed from Polaris for 2008-09 season to Brigadier for 2009-10 season). The average yield would have increased by over 20% if Polaris stayed as the control standard. Other vegetable crops had the similiar scenario that the participating farms have changed to use better control standard over the last two years.
2009-10 Survey Measures of Vegetable Variety IPM Program
|Reporting Period |From: |2009 |
| |To: |2010 |
|Customer Satisfaction |Clients Surveyed: |180 |Percent of Total |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Knowledge gained |167 |93% |
| |Shared Information with others: |175 |97% |
| |Number Satisfied: |166 |92% |
|Economic Gains due to Farming Practice|Growers (15) who changed five or more |11 |73% |
|Change |farming practices | | |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 10-15% |1,830 |18% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 16-20% |5,100 |51% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 21-30+% |3,160 |31% |
Impact for Objective 1:
Using disease resistant and high yield variety is a major component of IPM designed to reduce disease severity/frequency, increase yield, and reduce reliance on pesticide application (McAvoy, E. J. et al. 2010), which was also demonstrated by six (6) field days for different vegetable crops. Based on the UF/IFAS on-farm research and extension program, the 18% average yield increase among 15 participating farms and 6 different vegetable crops (total of 10,000 acres) in Palm Beach County has resulted an economic gain of $8 million annually (average $800 per acre due to the yield increase). The add benefit is improved environment due to reduced pesticide use. Due to increased interests and participation, the vegetable variety trials will continue.
Objective 2 was:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 20% due to adoption of IPM principles in disease/insect/weed management among 15 participating farms (40,000 acres) in Palm Beach County of this agent’s IPM/BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
Outcomes for Objective 2:
According to grower surveys conducted during the 2009-10 seasons, of pepper, basil, beans, sweet corn, broccoli, and lettuce, the average vegetable yield has increased by 22% (ranges from 11 – 30+%) due to change of farming practices in pest management of diseases, insects, and weeds (Sui, D. D. et al, 2010).
2009-10 Survey Measures of Vegetable IPM of Disease/Insect/Weed Program
|Reporting Period |From: |2009 |
| |To: |2010 |
|Customer Satisfaction |Clients Surveyed: |180 |Percent of Total |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Knowledge gained |169 |94% |
| |Shared Information with others: |164 |91% |
| |Number Satisfied: |171 |95% |
|Economic Gains due to Farming Practice|Growers (15) who changed five or more |10 |67% |
|Change |farming practices | | |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 10-15% |3,200 |16% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 16-20% |11,500 |58% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 21-30+% |5,300 |26% |
Impact for Objective 2:
In terms of insects/disease/weed management, the first fourteen (14) of the seventeen (17) IPM/BMP principles in this agent’s vegetable extension program has proven vital in vegetable production. Higher yield increases and more farm income gains were realized for those farms who adopted more IPM/IRM (integrated resistance management) practices (Sui, D. D. and Funderburk, J. E. 2010). The yield increase due to farming practice changes was shown by seven (7) field demonstrations of different vegetable crops. Based on the UF/IFAS on-farm research and extension program, the 22% average yield increase among 15 participating farms and 6 different vegetable crops (40,000 acres) in Palm Beach County has resulted an economic gain of $40 million annually (average $1,000 per acre due to the yield increase and savings of pesticide use). The add benefit is improved environment due to reduced pesticide use. Due to increased grower interests the on-farm IPM/IRM trials will continue.
Objective 3 was:
The average vegetable yield will increase by 15% and P-leaching will be reduced by 5% due to adoption of UF/IFAS BMP principles in fertilizer application and soil nutrient management among six (6) participating farms (5,000 acres) in Palm Beach County of this agent’s fertilizer BMP extension program. The outcome will be measured by annual grower survey in the next five years starting from 2009.
Outcomes for Objective 3:
Many innovative approaches have been tried in the on-farm BMP trials, including pH adjustment with elemental sulfur, banding P close to the seed row, and foliar application of micronutrients, all of which are targeted at providing sufficient nutrients for the vegetables to realize the high yield potential and at the same time reduce nutrient leaching and improve environment quality. According to grower surveys conducted during the 2009-10 seasons, of lettuce, basil, and beans, the average vegetable yield has increased by 13% (ranges from 5 – 20%) due to change of fertilization practices (broadcasting) in the vegetable production to the BMP practices listed above .
2009-10 Survey Measures of Vegetable BMP of Soil Nutrients
|Reporting Period |From: |2009 |
| |To: |2010 |
|Customer Satisfaction |Clients Surveyed: |126 |Percent of Total |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Knowledge gained |113 |90% |
| |Shared Information with others: |107 |85% |
| |Number Satisfied: |112 |89% |
|Economic Gains due to Farming Practice|Growers (6) who changed five or more |5 |83% |
|Change |farming practices | | |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 0-10% |1,000 |20% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 11-20% |2,700 |54% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 21-30+% |1,300 |26% |
Impact for Objective 3:
Increased pH requires higher P input for vegetable production in the EAA area while P has been the primary target requiring regulation in the Everglades Restoration Project. This agent’s extension program, in collaboration with UF/IFAS soil specialists, and growers, conducted on-farm BMP research trials using alternative delivery systems, such as banding P close to the seed row, and foliar application of micronutrients. The participating Palm Beach County farms learned that with the new fertilization technology they can achieve higher yield (13% or $1,040 per acre increase) at P-200 lb/acre comparing to the same rate by conventional broadcasting (Wright, A. L. et al, 2010), which translates to an estimated $5.2 million increase of farm income annually for the participating 5,000 vegetable acres. The new fertilization BMP practice also reduced 33% of P-input (300 lb broadcast of P per acre is required to match the yield of 200 lb per acre P-banding or combination of P-banding and pH adjustment) and reduced the loss of P into Everglades system. Participants were surveyed in the two year period, 83% of them have enacted five or more fertilization practice changes and 85% of the participants has shared their results to others. Due to the increased interests the BMP research/extension program will continue.
Success Story:
Palm Beach County growers grow 13,839 acres of peppers and produce $103 million in sales (USDA Census 2007). WFT (Western Flower Thrip) has caused 30-60% of annual pepper loss ($40 million) in culls and TSWV (Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus) during 2006-08 seasons primarily due to over-spray of pesticides, subsequent chemical resistance, and suspension of Spinosad insecticide.
The objective of this research-extension program is to reduce WFT damage to below 5%. The approach is to educate pepper growers by comparing pepper yield through on-farm trials under two different practices – Conventional insecticide sprays versus IPM/IRM (integrated pest management/integrated resistance management) in 2008-10 seasons. We demonstrated to pepper growers in the field days and pepper workshops the effectiveness of IPM/IRM – Monitoring WFT population by differentiating WFT from native thrip species which are competitors to WFT, using TSWV-free plants, planting refugia plants, crop rotation, UV-reflective mulch, and adopting UF/IFAS economic threshold. No spray if WFT is below the economic threshold which is the direct result from practicing IPM/IRM. In case insecticide spray is needed, choose “soft” chemicals which conserve beneficial insects over harsh chemicals, and rotate chemicals in different mode-of-action groups. The on-farm trials have resulted 40% yield gain from IPM/IRM practices over the non-IPM/IRM practices. Over 91% of the 13,000 pepper acres has adopted the UF/IFAS recommended IPM/IRM practices and achieved annual economic gains of over $38 million from lowered cull rates, higher yield, saved pesticide costs, and improved agricultural environment. The extension program’s next goal is to have 100% pepper acreage adopting the UF/IFAS recommended IPM/IRM practices in Palm Beach County, and to expand the impact to all Florida pepper production through hosting IPM/IRM In-Service-Training for extension agents, pepper growers, and industry companies.
Race and Ethnicity Data
| |Projected | |*Parity |Projected |
| |Target Audience |Audience Reached |(± 4%) |Target Audience |
|Race and Ethnicity |(for 2010) |in 2010 |Reached |(for 2011 POW) |
| |No. |% |
|Self |27 |590 |
|Prog. Assit. | | |
|Volunteer |3 |39 |
Summary of clientele reached for Program II.
|Enhancing IPM and Sustainability for Tropical Fruit Production |
|Number of Educational Materials Developed |19 |
|Number of Clientele Contacts |1,062 |
|field consultations |45 |
|office consultations |33 |
|telephone consultations |180 |
|group teaching participants |629 |
|e-mail consultations |175 |
|Web site visits |165 |
A. Outcomes and Impacts
Objective 1 was:
Training 100 tropical fruit growers, managers, field foremen, field scouts, agro-chemical company representatives, and ag-consulting companies so that 85% of them will increase IMP/BMP knowledge in fruit production, such as tree propagation/planting, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, marketing, disease/insect/weed IPM/IRM, cold protection, and harvesting technology.
Outcomes for Objective 1:
Over 400 growers and industry representatives participated in one or more education programs and or field days and 91 % of those surveyed with pre/post tests demonstrated knowledge gain.
2009-10 Survey Measures of Tropical Fruit IPM Program
|Reporting Period |From: |2009 |
| |To: |2010 |
|Customer Satisfaction |Clients Surveyed: |87 |Percent of Total |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Knowledge gained |79 |91% |
| |Shared Information with others: |83 |95% |
| |Number Satisfied: |82 |94% |
|Economic Gains due to Farming Practice|Growers (3) who changed two or more |2 |67% |
|Change |farming practices | | |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 0-5% |80 |27% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 6-10% |130 |43% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 11-20+% |90 |30% |
Impact for Objective 1:
Smart mulching and timely fertilization are important part of insect/disease IPM strategies (Crane, J. H. and Balerdi, C. F. ) as well as the other four IPM/BMP principles in tropical fruit production. According a two-year grower survey, 95% of the participants who have increased their knowledge of fruit tree IPM/BMP also shared their learned information with others, which paves the way for adopting IPM/BMP practices.
Objective 2 was:
For insect IPM, this agent’s extension program will collaborate with UF/IFAS specialists and growers in conducting on-farm research trials on insect in management of Sri Lanka weevil. Three (3) participating growers (200 acres) will adopt one or more IMP/BMP practices in fruit production and increase farm income by 10% due to adopting of IMP/BMP principles, such as,
►Integrated pest management;
►Proper pruning and clean up pruning debris off the ground;
►Mulching to protect the soil moisture, from insect, and increase soil organic content;
►Proper fertilization and irrigation to increase tree vigor and reduce tree stress thus disease/insect resistance;
►Cold injury protection – Correct choice of cold protection measures according to specific cold weather patterns;
►Improve drainage to reduce flood damage of trees and root-rot diseases
Outcomes for Objective 2:
With incomplete knowledge of the SLW life cycle and lack of labeled insecticides to tropical fruit trees, knowing what are available and allowable becomes important for the growers to adopt IPM/BMP practices. All growers have updated their knowledge of fruit tree IPM/BMP practices, and two out of the three participating growers have adopted two or more IPM/BMP practices, sush as mulching, Neem oil, Bt, and timely fertilization and irrigation.
2009-10 Survey Measures of Tropical Fruit IPM Program
|Reporting Period |From: |2009 |
| |To: |2010 |
|Customer Satisfaction |Clients Surveyed: |87 |Percent of Total |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Knowledge gained |79 |91% |
| |Shared Information with others: |83 |95% |
| |Number Satisfied: |82 |94% |
|Economic Gains due to Farming Practice|Growers (3) who changed two or more |2 |67% |
|Change |farming practices | | |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 0-5% |80 |27% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 6-10% |130 |43% |
| |Acreage with yield increase of 11-20+% |90 |30% |
Impact for Objective 2:
In light of lack of insecticides that are labeled for use on tropical fruit tree, the updated knowledge through SLW workshops has helped the growers to employ practices that are available and allowable to be used in organic fruit production, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Neem oil, mulching, timely fertilization, and even free roaming chickens, to reduce the adult feeding population. This helps to buy time until more effective management measures are developed through research. The participating growers who adopted two or more of these interim measures have increased marketable fruit yield by 8% ($180,000) through reduction of the SLW adult population. The expectation is for the research to turn out effective management measures for much higher yield increase through insect reduction. With partial success more interests have been generated for wider participation thus continuation of on-farm research.
Success Story:
Invasive pests such as Sri Lanka weevil (SLW, Melocerus undatus) has become epidemic and a major pest to all tropical fruits. SLW was first identified in Broward County in 2000 and soon after spread to 19 Florida counties by 2008 including Palm Beach County. In Florida SLW feeds on 142 plant species including fruits, vegetables and landscaping trees-shrubs, for example, longan, lychee, mango, avocado, bananas, guava, citrus, persimmons, papaya, carambola, coconut palm, beans, cabbages, spinach, and dahoon holly. The production loss was estimated estimated to be equivalent of 50% of normal production which was $1.5 million annually, including reduction of fruits and tree vigor as well as premature tree decline due to SLW infestation. So far information available is mostly observational, above ground, visible adult feeding on foliage. Very little is known about its reproduction cycle especially larval development stages underground because it is very difficult to find larvae in any stage from root zone soil. Ability to find different larval stages and to collect a large number of larvae is critical in understanding SLW reproductive bioecology, which may provide insight to insecticide and biocontrol study for IPM strategies.
Much still has to be learned about how SLW reproduce in addition to the adult feeding observation for this newly arrive invasive species. Research based IPM management strategy is hinged upon the success of the UF-IFAS study currently under way (this agent joins entomology specialist, Dr. Gregg Nuessly, as one of the co-PIs for the $200,00 USDA TSTAR grant on SLW IPM). Therefore, before the effective control measure is found, this agent’s extension objectives are to help growers to learn about the general practices that may help reduce SLW population spread. Unlike citrus root weevil, Diaprepes, which lay eggs in clustered egg mass on the leaf surface, one of the life cycle features of SLW is that its adult comes off the tree to lay eggs on the surface debris on the ground. Since the egg must hatch to become larva and find roots to feed on, increasing the distance from ground surface to the roots may create some barrier for the newly hatched larva. The participating growers also learned through this agent’s workshops that UF/IFAS tropical fruit research also has good result using mulch to keep soil moisture and suppress weeds. Two-year on-farm trials have shown better SLW management results (alone has 5% adult reduction) than using other chemicals, which still have a supplemental role in the current IPM/BMP regime especially hose organically allowable soft chemicals. The on-farm trials will continue hopefully to find more effective measures.
Race and Ethnicity Data
| |Projected | |*Parity |Projected |
| |Target Audience |Audience Reached |(± 4%) |Target Audience |
|Race and Ethnicity |(for 2009) |in 2009 |Reached |(for 2010 POW) |
| |No. |% |
|FSHS |Section VP-Elect (Vegetable) |2010- |
|FACAA |member |2008-2010 |
24. HONORS
|Year (e.g., 2009) |Organization |Award |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
32. COPIES OF THE LAST FIVE (or since last promoted) ANNUAL LETTERS OF EVALUATION
|Year |Your Overall Rating |Scales |
| |e.g., Satisfactory | |
|2008 | |Not Acceptable – Exemplary |
|2007 | |Not Acceptable – Exemplary |
|2006 | |Not Acceptable - Exemplary |
|2005 | |Not Acceptable - Exemplary |
|2004 | |1-7 |
|2003 | |1-7 |
|2002 | |1-7 |
33. THE FURTHER INFORMATION SECTION
Include such things as letters of acceptance from publishers, list of submitted publications, information on forthcoming books, as well as any additional information the nominee wishes to submit.
Indicate status of master’s degree if applicable.
Community Service: Include a brief paragraph, describing community service activities of agent and PAs and involvement with community and civic organizations. Community service activities of clientele, e.g., 4-H youth, are a result of life skills training and would be reported as Outcomes in the Life Skills Program section.
34. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (only for ROA)
|Title |No. of Days |
|New faculty orientations, 2008-2009 |8 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
35. New Marketing Efforts: (only for ROA)
2010:
Healthy Options: A produce marketing workshop. Sep. 28, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (31) were vegetable/fruit growers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
Navigating the Canadian Marketplace – A grower/dealer workshop on “Do’s and Don’s in Produce Trading with Canada”. Jan. 20, 2010. West Palm Beach, FL. Audiences (12) were vegetable/fruit growers/dealers, ag-companies, and research/extension professionals.
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David Sui, Page 12
President (or designee)
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