New Jersey Leads the Way in IPM Information

The year 2002 was especially productive for New Jersey’s Information Network for Pesticides and Alternative Strategies (NJinPAS), one of the seven projects that NE PMC supports through its competitive grants program. Led by Dr. George Hamilton of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the project’s participants aim to improve knowledge and awareness of local, state, regional, and national pest man-agement issues. They recently held their second advisory group meeting, and project leaders presented a paper at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America in November.

One of NJinPAS’s prime accomplishments has been progress on crop profiles and pest management strategic plans (PMSPs) for crops that are important in the state. Its workgroups completed a profile for apples and are nearing completion of a profile for eggplant and a PMSP for peaches (both documents are currently undergoing technical review). Plans are underway to develop additional crop profiles for carrots, green pepper, and field corn, and to update profiles for asparagus, blueberry, alfalfa, and squash. A group will also work with Maryland and Delaware to develop a regional PMSP for lima beans.

NJinPAS created a new web page for the Mid-Atlantic Information Network, a collaboration that unites the efforts of participants in West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. This partnership maximizes regional resources and communication, and it ensures New Jersey’s representation at the national level. The new web page (www. pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/NJinPAS/PesticideRegistration/MAINPAShome.htm) uses links to provide access to the websites and current Section 18 exemptions for each of the five participating states.

NJinPAS has developed nine e-mail lists that deliver pesticide-related information to New Jersey growers, crop consultants, pesticide users, public interest groups, environmental groups, and Extension faculty and staff. E-mail list categories include the network; institutions and interiors; mosquito; fruit; turf, ornamentals, greenhouse, and nursery; field and forage crops; vegetables; school IPM; and forests and Xmas trees. All postings are archived and may be viewed by date, list, or topic. For information and enrollment, go to www.pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/NJinPAS/listservs.htm.