UMaine Integrated Pest Management CPPM-EIP 2024-2027

As a result of our efforts during this project, we anticipate reaching the following target audience: crop producers, agricultural consultants, pesticide applicators, farm workers, landscapers, master gardeners, healthcare/veterinary personnel, Maine Center for Disease Control personnel, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry personnel, Cooperative Extension personnel, policy makers/regulatory personnel, and the general public. These efforts also reach a number of underserved audiences, including Somali farmers in central Maine, Maine's Native American tribes, and Maine's growing Amish population.The objectives of this project include:1. Work with specialty crop growers to identify pest risk and provide them with the tools to select proper management strategies2. Work with specialty crop growers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides3. Work with homeowners, community groups, and municipalities to identify and manage public health pest threats associated with ticks and mosquitoes4. Develop new molecular diagnostic tools for monitoring public health and specialty crop pests5. Provide guidance to homeowners and communities on the management of residential pests associated with the home and the home landscape6. Increase collaboration with local, state, and regional partners as well as specific stakeholder groups on the dissemination of pest-related information7. Work with state and local governments on laws and regulations regarding IPM