IPM Education, Internships and Employment

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IPM Education, Internships and Employment

• Norm Leppla

University of Florida, IFAS
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Lepplas Career

• University of Arizona- Insect Behavior Rearing
  Research (2 yr)
• USDA, ARS- Pest Management Biological Control,
  FL TX (17 yr)
• USDA, APHIS- Methods Development, Washington DC
  International (7 yr)
• University of Florida- Administration
  Integrated Pest Management (15 yr)

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Seminar Topics

• What is IPM and where does a DPM fit?
• How should you approach a mentor?
• How are internships related to post-graduation
  employment?
• What are the competencies of an IPM education?
• What is a "state" IPM program?
• .

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What is IPM?
National Road Map for Integrated Pest Management
(USDA, Office of Pest Management Policy) May 17,
2004
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a
long-standing, science-based, decision-making
process that identifies and reduces risks from
pests and pest management related strategies..
http//www.ipmcenters.org/Docs/IPMRoadMap.pdf
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What is IPM?

• IPM is the coordinated use of pest and
  environmental information and available pest
  control methods
• to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by
  the most economical means...
• with the least possible hazard to people,
  property and the environment.

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IPM System

• REDUCE RISK
• Pest outbreaks disease epidemics
• Environmental contamination
• Human health hazards
• Pest mgmt. costs

• INCREASE
• Reliability
• Sustainability

Chem
Biological Control
Cultural Physical Methods
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Generic IPM Program

• Biological knowledge
• Monitoring and inspection
• Act to control pests when necessary
• Choose least-risk options
• Long-term, preventative practices
• Evaluation and records
• Pesticide management
• Continual improvement

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Where Does a DPM Fit?

• There is a need for broadly trained,
  interdisciplinary specialists to deal with the
  challenge of IPM and the complexity of crop
  systemsa doctoral degree in plant health. (NAS
  Spring 2000)

Les Ehler and Dale Bottrell http//www.nap.edu/iss
ues/16.3/ehler
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Where Does a DPM Fit?

• IPM requires innovative partnerships among
  scientists, extension agents, pest consultants,
  progressive farmers, farm workers, and
  consumers.

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The Future of IPM and Plant Medicine

• Multi-disciplinary
• Partnerships

• Resources- internet
• Knowledge intensive

Entomology
Forestry
Nematology
Agronomy
Plant Medicine
Horticulture
Plant Pathology
Soil Science
Weed Science
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IPM and DPM
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How to Approach a Mentor?

• Make an appointment via telephone
• or email.
• Provide some background information, e.g., CV,
  statement of interest.
• Have a discussion about 30 minutes.
• Prepare questions in advance.
• Expectations of prospective mentor and mentor of
  you.

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Civility and Respect

• Civility- politeness and courtesy in behavior or
  speech.
• Respect- consideration or concern (honesty).
• The faculty is here to help you gain the best
  possible education.
• We must work hard to provide you with the
  resources you need, so we are interdependent.
• Why are you here?

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How are Internships Related to Post-Graduation
Employment?

• We are always being evaluated.
• Internships provide a trial period.
• Potential employers are always seeking
  outstanding employees.
• Employers expect a return on their investment in
  you.
• Successful employment is based on how well you
  fit.

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IPM Education and Training
Pest Prevention and Detection

• Prevent pest outbreaks through habitat
  manipulation and other cultural practices
• Gain experience with pest habitats, e.g., crops
  or buildings
• Know the life cycles of the host plants, pests
  and beneficial organisms
• Understand the ecology and adaptability of the
  organisms

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IPM Education and Training
Pest Identification and Management

• Utilize scouting and other monitoring techniques
• Accurately identify key pest and beneficial
  organisms
• Apply damage, economic and other action
  thresholds
• Design systems of mitigation that minimize
  environmental impacts

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IPM Education and Training
General Knowledge and Professionalism

• Practice safe and appropriate use of pesticides
  and other IPM tactics
• Know current laws and regulations pertinent to
  pest management
• Be able to rapidly access pest management
  information
• Be involved in pest management and related
  organizations

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IPM Capabilities

• Education experience. An inter-disciplinary
  education in the traditional scientific
  disciplines plus hands-on, practical experience
  is essential.
• Synthesis integration. Education and training
  prepare pest managers to synthesize knowledge
  from across disciplines and integrate pest
  management within entire production systems.

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IPM Capabilities

• Problem solving critical thinking. Experience
  is gained in accurately diagnosing and rapidly
  solving plant health problems while minimizing
  environmental impacts and economic losses.
• Speaking writing effectively. Superior
  communication skills, both written and verbal,
  are required to effectively communicate IPM
  principles and practices.

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What is a State Extension IPM
Program?
USDA, CSREES (NIFA) Funding Cooperative
Extension Directors State IPM Coordinators Coope
rators

• 1972- "Huffaker Project" 12.5 million (NSF,
  USDA, EPA)
• 1975- CES Extension IPM formula funding for
  every state 1862 land grant (56 states,
  0.5-1.5 m total)
• 1979- Adkisson Project 3.5 million
• 2010- E-IPM grant funding, 1862 and 1890 land
  grant eligible (75 institutions, ca 8.4 m)

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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Designated Coordinator..18
• Manage the Smith-Lever 3(d) Funds.26
• Obtain Extramural Funding.41
• Adequate Technical Support..24
• Adequate Facilities and Equipment...41
• Program Management Structure...53
• Planning/Priority Setting Process..45
• Assure IPM Program Recognition.53
• Professional Development Opportunities.45

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PROGRAM DELIVERY

• Communication System (e.g., website)..51
• Grants Program..22
• Produce Extension Materials...49
• Provide IPM Consultation.....34
• Seek Funding for Cooperators.28
• Conduct Education Training Activities.52
• Means of Measuring Benefits...53

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PROGRAM INVOLVEMENT

• Cooperative Extension Collaboration.....53
• Research Collaboration....52
• Clientele Collaboration..51
• Interdisciplinary Scope..53
• Inter-Institutional Collaboration.. 52
• Statewide Involvement..52
• Regional, National International Liaison.43

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PROGRAM SUPPORT

• USDA, NIFA.....54
• Regional IPM Center..54
• University Administration...30
• Unit Leader......30
• Clientele20

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The Functions, Evolution and Benefits of State
Integrated Pest Management Programs N. C.
Leppla, D. A. Herbert, Jr. and D. D.
Thomas American Entomologist, Winter 2009
A comprehensive and at least stable state IPM
program would benefit every land grant
university, as agriculture, communities and
natural areas are increasingly difficult to
protect from pests and diseases without
unacceptable risks to human health and the
environment.
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Potential Threats to Food Crop Production

• Food borne illnesses
• Land availability and use
• Labor and immigration
• Water quality and quantity
• Higher operating costs (fuel)
• New plant pests and diseases

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Potential Threats to Food Crop Production

• Loss of pesticides
• Offshore competition
• Damaging weather
• Population growth
• Environmentalism
• Government assistance

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IPM Florida The UF, IFAS Statewide IPM Program
http//ipm.ifas.ufl.edu