Update on former Bulletin 74
From Carolyn Klass regarding former Bulletin 74:
We are working on a Northeast IPM Grant to do a total revision of this publication - and it is fairly well along. It will not, however, have specific pesticides mentioned. We are looking at this as a Northeast IPM Guidelines for homeowners. We do not have final plans with a publisher yet, and I am not sure how long this will take. Mary Woodsen has sent some copy out for bid - and when we have some figures to work with, we should be able to pass this along to you.
In the mean time, Part I and Part II are available on the web. There are no hard copies left - as Media Services as we knew it went out of business last year and disposed of their hard copies of many publications. The following site takes you to the guidelines menu - you may then click on those you want to look at.
http://ipmguidelines.org/
Please feel free to send me any feedback. Comments from Extension staff are always welcome.
11/27/07
Lori Bushway | Campus News, Program Work Team
Hello Carolyn,
Just a note to tell you what I, and many of the folks on the Community Horticulture PWT feel. This publication is going to be nice, but not very useful. Unfortunately, the public is expecting a pesticide recomendation from us. In most cases, I can get away with baking soda and water, sulfur, BT, or some such product, but not always. There are problems out there that require other solutions. I work with several Commerical Pest Control people who would rather go to me and use something from Bulletin 74 than some “very hot” product that they are certified to apply. If Bulletin 74 is not kept up to date with the latest and least toxic methods, I think it will be an aweful mistake. Let’s face it, when someone gets around to contacting Extension, they already have a full-blown problem and it is too late for prevention. I don’t like pesticides. As a matter fact, I own a small business that blends and sells organic herbal teas, and garden organically at home, but I am also a realist and do not wish for Extension to lose credibility in the eyes of the public, which will happen without an updated bulletin 74. Extension has problems enough staying afloat. Well, off my soap box for now.May 2008 be a happy, healthy, stress-free (yeh right) year for you.
Renee Schloupt
Although I think we should encourage everyone to utilize IPM whenever possible, we also need to realize that for some this will not be an option or may not be an option they want to choose.
I have always looked at the advice we give at CCE as information that helps an individual make a CHOICE based on unbiased, research based information. If we no longer have a bulletin directed towards homeowners that includes pesticide recommendations in addition to good sound IPM practices than we have eliminated allowing a homeowner to make a choice. We are making the choice for them.
If we do not have a reference to refer to that gives us legal pesticide recommendations I can see us losing a considerable amount of our audience. Why call CCE when you can not get the information you are looking for to make a choice. These individuals will get their information from the local garden center or unfortunately the local BIG BOX STORE whose employee turnover rate is incredible. This is where the homeowner will get their advice.
Some may choose to have a professional service to control the pest problem. I am not sure of other counties, but I receive numerous calls from people who can not afford these services.
I think we are making a big mistake if we no longer have a reference that CCE Staff can use to help homeowners choice their pest control options.
For what it is worth, i agree with Tom and Renee. Extension has enough problems staying relevent, this does not help.