2013 - 2014
Technician Handbook
UAF Cooperative Extension Service 1675 C Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-786-6300
Cooperative Extension Service
IPM Technician Handbook
This handbook is to assist you as an IPM Technician in understanding your role in the IPM Program and fulfilling your duties. While there are some differences between districts in terms of Technician activity and emphasis, the basic IPM Technician responsibilities are similar, as are the techniques you will use in your work. The handbook will also serve as a guide for you and your supervisor.
What is the Alaska IPM Program? The Alaska Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is a cooperative educational program, combining the resources of the University of Alaska Fairbanks-Cooperative Extension Service (CES)and the USDA Forest Service-Region 10 - State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. CES provides direct supervision of the program and the management of the federal budget supporting the IPM program. IPM training and information is also provided by CES. The Forest Service provides research, guidance, and contributes significant finacial support to the program. Additional funding sources and collaborating partner agencies are also involved with particular projects.
Within the state there are seasonal IPM Technicians in the following areas; Anchorage, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Juneau, Soldotna (Kenai), and in Palmer. The Anchorage Office serves as the coordinating center of the program. The Faculty IPM Coordinator and the IPM Program Manager for the program are located in Anchorage. All IPM Technicians will provide reports, photos and data to the IPM Program Manager for grant reporting purposes. The Anchorage office contains many reference materials and the IPM staff there are important sources of information available to all Technicians in the statewide program.
Duties and Responsibilities as an IPM Technician: Your primary duty is to provide information on pest identification & IPM education. Some field work will be assigned IPM is an approach to controlling pests by examining the situation, evaluating all the available control options, and choosing one or more in combination to achieve the desired level of pest control. This approach applies the least toxic, most effective, economically sound, and environmentally responsible options for clientele with a wide range of alternatives. Often an IPM strategy involves recognizing what is simply a perceived pest, rather than an actual pest, and learning how to tolerate a few visitors is your "control option." IPM strategies also incorporate chemical, biological or physical controls for more direct pest management practices, but are put into action only after the entire situation is evaluated. In all cases of pest management, an integrated
approach is best to ensure the most effective method to control your pest problem. You are a source of information on pest control options, ranging from “do-nothing” to the option of active pesticides. The ultimate choice is up to the user. Within the program, the principles of IPM are stressed and you should become well-versed in all aspects of pest management. Pesticides are only one of many options and if an alternative control measure is available that is economical, effective, and safe it should be suggested first. The means by which you accomplish this are varied and sometimes extensive and challenging. The following is a list of guidelines & methods you can use when working with the public.
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Telephone Inquiries-
Site Visits-
Specimens brought in or sent to the office-
A simple form must be completed for each site visit. Please see the attached site visit form.
The telephone is perhaps your most important tool in the program. It is the major way your clientele will reach you when they need pest information. The District support staff (if applicable) will be able to take messages and assist you if you need time to find a reference prior to responding to a call. It’s best to ask questions, record the client’s name, phone number, best time to return the call, and subject of call. This information will help you be prepared ahead of time. You are required to log each client contact made. This is a program requirement and will benefit your recordkeeping. Please see the attached data keeping packet for instructions on how to complete entries. An electronic file version of your data keeping template will be emailed to you, to be transferred to your computer hard drive for daily use.
Much of your work will involve diagnosing insect, abiotic and disease problems as well as identification of insects, plants, and diseases. Many organisms are quickly and easily identifiable while others require more research or to be sent to a specialist for confirmation. Try to use all your immediate resources to make a positive diagnosis or identification, however if you don’t know, DON’T GUESS! If outside resources are required contact the IPM Progam Manager, Anchorage IPM Technician, or Faculty IPM Coordinator in Anchorage for further information. You will complete an insect and plant disease identification form for each sample submitted, however if a client has multiple specimens it may be best to list them all on one sheet. Please see the sample sheet for suggestions on how to complete the form. Please see the attached specimen ID form. Appendix 1: A listing of useful print resources as well as human resources to consult. Appendix 2: Covers specimen preparation for collection, preservation and shipping.
Occasionally, you will provide pest identification and IPM information to the public by visiting the site of the pest problem itself. A site visit is usually required if the specimen can’t be brought into the office. Often a site visit will give you greater insight into specific problems and you can examine the "whole picture" especially when diagnosing tree disorders. • Always obtain permission to enter private lands or businesses. • Invite the owner to accompany you. • Demonstrate courtesy by keeping the owner informed of your actions. • Be conscientious of plant hygiene and eliminate the possibility of infecting healthy plants through contaminated clothing, equipment, etc.
Appendix 3: A listing of field equipment and other supplies to carry in your vehicle that is useful for site visits.
Classes, Pest Clinics, and Workshops Depending upon local interest and need, you may be asked to or plan to conduct a workshop or teach a class on a specific pest or IPM topic. Discuss this with your supervisor as he or she may have suggestions or requests. All educational activities are approved and coordinated through your District office. Several districts may cooperate for events such as the Alaska State Fair.
Media
Occasionally, you will be asked to give information, be interviewed, or participate in some manner with the news media. Please make very sure your information is correct and sound, as newspaper, radio and television reporters often need everything repeated twice and written down. The media can reach many clientele. Clear, correct information must be provided. Some districts have columns in there local newspapers and newsletters to which you may contribute. Check with your supervisor on all media requests. Make sure to report media contacts and any articles published on your data sheet!
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Monthly and Season-End Reports
All Technicians are required to submit monthly reports to the IPM Program Manager covering current pests and diseases observed, general activities, and anything unusual or exciting in your area. Your supervisor may request that you submit weekly updates for additional tracking. Reports shouldn’t be elaborate, nor lengthy but should be readable and informative. Never include personal names of clients when reporting. Although, names of agencies and companies are useful to include. Please ask to see examples of reports if you are a new tech. Each District is required to submit a SeasonEnd report for the program, with NO exceptions! Data collection is very important to the success of the program and therefore a Season-End report is mandatory. You are responsible for compiling and summarizing your activities during the season. All District reports are then compiled for a statewide report which is required by the funding agency. The Season-End report is usually completed in your last two weeks of work. Your completed contact log, site visit forms, specimen forms, monthly reports, and Season-End report must be organized into a binder and kept at your District office. See examples of binders from previous seasons on your bookshelf as a reference.
Collections and Photos
In the course of your work you will encounter many insects, weeds, and plant diseases, some of which you should collect and preserve for future reference. Your District may already have a reference collection, but it may require repair/replacemets, and we can always use additional collections to distribute to other Districts. If your District doesn’t have such a collection, it’s a good idea to begin collecting the more familiar insect and plant disease specimens to establish a reference for the future. Occasionally it helps to devote time to collecting, especially when you’ve had a long day on the telephone or in front of the computer! Photos are a very useful tool for the IPM program. Taking photos of unusual insects and diseases, plus common ones can always be useful. Digital camera’s are provided to each District. Your supervisor may also have a list of IPM related photos that can be used for presentations and displays as well as those needed in your office. At season-end please submit photos on a CD.
Report and data submittal guidelines: 1. At Season's End: Send a CD or Zip disk with electronic reporting files AND digital photos, plus a print out of Season-End & Monthly reports mailed to: CES - IPM Program Manager 1675 C Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 2. Monthly: Send monthly reports and contact log file to: ancr@uaa.alaska.edu (also email your season end report here) 3. Submit print out of Season-End report to your supervisor. Compile a notebook of the season's paperwork for your district.
District and other Newsletters
Newsletters are a means of reaching public and professional clientele with the latest pest information. You may contribute to publications by composing articles for various newsletters. In addition to CES Newsletters, you can contribute to other local media outlets, such as local papers and Master Gardener Newsletters.
Field Surveys and insect trapping
Some Districts may conduct field surveys and monitor pest populations in certain areas. Check with the IPM program manager and your supervisor to see if you have these responsibilities.
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Appendix 2: Collecting, Preserving and Shipping Insect and Disease Specimens Collecting Vials - various sizes Forceps - flexible and rigid Insect net (optional aquatic net) Zip-top plastic bags Paper bags Branch clippers (optional pruning saw) Sturdy knife Hand lens Kill Jar Waterproof marker Pencil Trowel or small shovel Razor blades Eye droppers Glass slides Coverslips Dissecting needle
Insect and disease specimens occur almost everywhere; knowing about the biology of the organism can help you time your collecting activities. However, the random sighting and encounter is equally possible, and it helps to be prepared. Glass or plastic vials of ethyl alcohol and clear, ziptop, plastic bags are good containers for field-collected insects and plant specimens respectively, though extended time in plastic bags is not recommended for either type specimen. A killing jar is also useful for killing insect specimens before preserving them, and it should be activated with ethyl acetate as an active agent. The following list suggests useful equipment for field collecting both insects and plant specimens.
Preserving Preserving insect and plant specimens correctly is very important for future identification as well as successful long term storage. Almost all hard-bodied adult insects will need to be pinned or pointed, and soft-bodied adult insects will need to be placed in preserving fluid at the least. Larvae are generally preserved in ethyl alcohol as well, though there are various techniques prior to final storage that you should consider. For detailed preservation techniques you will need to consult the “mounting and preserving insects” section of your “Field Guide to the Insects,” and adhere to these guidelines. Plant material is generally pressed in a plant press and then mounted on herbarium sheets when dry. For further plant preservation techniques you may wish to consult a botany or plant taxonomy textbook.
Materials needed for preserving insects: insect pins labels points white glue pinning block spreading board styrofoam boards (scraps will do) Vials of ethyl alcohol waterproof ink/pencil for labeling Materials needed for plant preservation: plant press blotting paper or newspaper herbarium sheets contact paper, labels & specimen information
REMEMBER! Photographs are an excellent way to record and share specimen information. Take digital photos, using a field camera or the DDDI scope, save the files to a disk and to your hard drive.You can email the JPEG files to the IPM Program Manager and other Technicians for input & assistance.You should also include photos on a CD when turning in your reports. —4—
In summary, your basic IPM Technician responsibilities are as follows: 1) Answering telephone inquiries and assisting walk in clients.
• Each District may have slightly different duties or needs which relate to your role as IPM Technician. It’s best to talk over all plans and objectives with your supervisor at the start of the season. Any major changes or additions should be discussed with the Faculty IPM coordinator
2) Identifying and diagnosing insect and plant disease problems. 3) Site visits-As time permits, or to address issues too large (trees) to bring in the office.
• Some Technicians will receive special scouting assignments and data keeping projects as assigned by the IPM Program Manager and the Faculty IPM Program Coordinator.
4) Teaching classes or conducting workshops (when needed). 5) Cooperating with the media (when applicable).
6) Compiling and submitting electronic data, and monthly and Season-End reports. 7) Taking photos of pests and plant disease conditions, submitting some with reports. 8) Collecting, preserving, and labeling specimens. 9) Contributing to Newsletters - or- other writing assignments. 10) Conducting field surveys & scouting for particular pests (where applicable).
• Fulfilling your IPM Technician responsibilities is your first priority. District offices can get extremely busy at times. Many things are flexible, but you are a unique source of information on pests and IPM for the public in your area. That should remain a priority. Clear communication with IPM coordination staff and your supervisor can help establish well defined working goals and result in a successful season. • On occasion, there may be a difficult situation, or a client complaint. Please refer these situations to your supervisor. Should you encounter any type of a problem, don't hesitate to discuss it with your supervisor, the IPM Program Manager or the Faculty IPM Coordinator.
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Plant Pest and Disease Diagnosis - A Review Diagnosis of plant pests and diseases involves a search for symptoms, signs and patterns. Symptoms are shown by the plant in its response to infestation, infection or environmental conditions. Signs are the pests themselves or parts of the pathogen such as ooze, spores, mycelium or galls. Patterns are observed as differences in the distribution or location of the problem in an area. 1. Eliminate the possibility that the abnormal condition observed may be the result of injury caused by rodents, insects or other animals. Check the soil moisture condition. Waterlogged soils can “drown” a plant’s root system. The plant, on the other hand, may be declining from lack of water. Mineral deficiencies can also cause plant disease, usually when they are lacking or tied up in forms unavailable to the plant. 2. Know what pests and diseases have been described as occurring on the plant being examined.
Some questions and points to consider when investigating a pest or disease in the field: 1) The Distribution of the Symptoms
Are they throughout the entire plant or do they occur in spots? If they occur in spots, what is different about these spots? Are the plants on low or high ground, or could there be some other soil difference such as a sand or gravel layer near the surface, soil compaction, poor drainage, etc.?
2) The Plants’ History and the Method of Handling
• What about the fertilization practices, spray program or unusual weather conditions during the growth period?
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Have herbicides been used in the area to eradicate weeds?
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Have insecticides or fungicides, other than those normally recommended, been applied?
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Has the plant been exposed to fumes from vehicles or heating systems (greenhouse plants) or other toxic gases?
3. Know which of these pests and diseases commonly occur in your area. 4. Know the symptoms that will be useful in distinguishing between the different pests and diseases that you are likely to encounter. 5. Know what a normal healthy plant looks like and be acquainted with the major varieties and their growth habits.
3) Make a Thorough Examination of a Number of Infected Plants and Take Samples if Needed.
• When in the field, examine infected plants throughout the entire area; observe the symptoms.
• Take samples (with permission) which represent all the visible stages of damage, insects or disease. Take samples of both healthy and affected plant parts for comparison.
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Formulate your initial diagnosis and consult your references to confirm it.
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Be aware of the potential for plant disease transmission or pest introduction between sites.
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Familiarize yourself with methods by which disease transmission occurs.
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Practice methods of sanitizing clothing and equipment to prevent disease transmission.
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Appendix 1 - Resources Books: This is a selection of texts which may help you in your work.
Each publication also carries an extensive list of references itself to help you focus on specific areas. The following reference books, and many others, can be found on the IPM bookshelf of your District office.
Insects
Hepting, G.H., 1971 Diseases of Forest and Shade Trees of the United States. USDA Forest Service Handbook No. 386, 658 pp.
Borror, D.J., Triplehorn, C.A., and Johnson, N.F., 1989. An Introduction to the Study of Insects, Sixth Edition: Saunders, 875 pp., illus.
MacNab, A.A., Sherf, A.F., and Springer, J.K., 1983. Identifying Diseases of Vegetables. University Park, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University. 62 pp., illus.
Johnson, W.T., and Lyon, H.H., 1988. Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs, Second Edition. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University, 556 pp., illus.
Fletcher J.T., 1984. Diseases of Greenhouse Plants. New York: Longman, 351 pp., illus.
Borror, D.J., and White, R.E., 1970 A Field Guide to the Insects of America North of Mexico. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 404 pp., illus.
Pesticides
Chu, H.F., 1949 How to Know the Immature Insects. DuBuque, Iowa; Wm. L. Brown, 234 pp,; illus.
McDonald, S.A., Applying Pesticides Correctly - A Guide for Private and Commercial Applicators. USDA and EPA publication. 128 pp., illus.
Furniss, R.L. and Carolin,V.M., 1977. Western Forest Insects. USDA Forest Service. Misc. Pub. No. 1339, 654 pp., illus.
Bohmont, B.L., 1990. The New Pesticide Users Guide. Reston,Virginia: Reston Publishing, 452 pp., illus.
IPM
Insects and Diseases
Olkowski, Daar, Olkowski, 1991. Common Sense Pest Control. Newtown, CT; Taunton Press, 715 pp., illus.
Holsten, E.H., Hennon, P.E., and Werner, R.A., Revised April 2001. Insects and Diseases of Alaskan Forests. USDA Forest Service. Alaska Reg., State and Private Forestry, Report No. 181, 217 pp., illus.
Ware, G.W., 1980. Complete Guide to Pest Control with and without Chemicals. Fresno, Calif.: Thomson Publications. 290 pp., illus.
Pirone, P.P., 1978. Diseases and Pests of Ornamental Plants. Fifth Edition. New York; John Wiley and sons, 566 pp., illus.
Davis, D.W., Hoty, S.C., McMurty, J.A. and AliNiazee, M.T., Editors. Biological Control and Insect Pest Management. Ag. Experiment Station, University of California, Bulletin 1911. 102 pp., illus.
Cordell, C.E., et al, 1989. Forest Nursery Pests. USDA Forest Service Ag. Handbook No. 680 184 pp., illus.
Miscellaneous
See also Extension and Forest Service pamphlets and booklets.
Hulten, E., 1968 Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories, Stanford, CA: Stanford University, 1008 pp., illus.
Diseases Sinclair, W.A., Lyon, H.H., and Johnson, W.T., 1987. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. Ithaca, NY, Cornell University, 574 pp. illus.
Viereck, L.A., and Little, E.L. Jr., 1972 Alaska Trees and Shrubs. USDA Forest Service Ag. Handbook No. 410, 265 pp., illus.
Agrios, G.N., 1969. Plant Pathology. New York: Academic Press, 629 pp., illus.
Smith, M.D., Editor, 1984 The Ortho Problem Solver. Ortho Information Services, San Francisco, CA, 1040 pp., illus. (Note: current edition is 1989)
Horst, R.K., 1979 Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook, Forth Edition. New York:Van Nordstrand Reinhold. 803 pp. illus.
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Appendix 1 - Resources
(continued)
Human Resources: Lydia Clayton
Soldotna District Agent IPM Co-Coordinator
907-262-5824
Milan Shipka
Faculty IPM Coordinator Extension Livestock Specialist Ag/Hort Program Chair
907-474-7429
Corlene Rose
IPM Program Manager
907-786-6316
VACANT
Anchorage/Statewide IPM Technician
907-786-6309
Gino Graziano
CES Invasive Plants Instructor
907-786-6315
Julie Riley
Anchorage Hort Agent
907-786-6300
Kara Monroe, Anchorage Administrative Assistants Nina Markossian
907-786-6300
Steve Brown
Mat-Su District Agent
907-745-3639
Steve Seefeldt
Fairbanks-Tanana District Agent
907-474-2423
Phil Kaspari
Delta Junction District Agent Pesticide Applicator Training Coordinator
907-895-4215
Janice Chumley
Kenai IPM Tech Ag-Hort Program Assistant
907-262-5824
Darren Snyder
Juneau District Agent
907-796-6281
Deb Jones
4-H Program Leader
907-474-6356
Roxie Rogers Dinstel
Home, Health and Family Development Program Chair
907-474-2426
Patricia Joyner
AK Community Forestry Program Coordinator DNR, Division of Forestry
907-269-8465
Steven Nickel
AK Community Assistance Forester DNR, Division of Forestry
907-269-8466
Karin Hendrickson
Pesticide Program Coordinator ADEC Pesticide Control Program
907-376-1856
Sherry Bottoms
Anchorage Seasonal IPM Tech
907-786-6338
VACANT
Fairbanks Seasonal IPM Tech
907-474-1530
Lois Dworshak
Juneau Seasonal IPM Tech
907-796-6221
Pamela Compton
Mat-Su Seasonal IPM Tech
907-746-3472
Rodlyn Bundy
Delta Junction Seasonal IPM Tech
907-895-4215
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Appendix 2: Collecting, Preserving and Shipping Insect and Disease Specimens Shipping Insect and Disease Specimens Shipping
• General: Pack specimens in such a manner that breakage will be minimal. • Insects: Specimens sent through the mail should be packed to withstand rough treatment. • Larvae and other soft-bodied insects should be shipped in small screw-top vials or bottles containing at least 70 percent isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Make certain that the bottles are sealed well. Include in each vial adequate information, or a code, relating the sample to the written description and information. Labels inserted in the vial should be written on with pencil or India ink. Do not use ball point pen.
• Ship as quickly as possible. If delayed, store thespecimens in a refrigerator. • Include specimen submittal information sheet & address inside shipping carton. • Mark “FRAGILE" and follow the most up to date notification protocol. Each sample should be labeled and accompanied by the following information:
• Pupae and hard-bodied insects can be shipped either in alcohol or in small boxes. Specimens should be placed between layers of tissue paper in the shipping boxes. Pack carefully and make certain that there is very little movement of material within the box. Do not pack insects in cotton. • Adult moths, butterflies and fragile insects should be folded between paper before packing in the tissue paper. • Conks or mushrooms: ship immediately or airdry thoroughly, then ship.
- Where the specimen was collected; nearest Post Office or town, elevation, aspect. - When the specimen was collected. - Who collected the specimen. - Host description (age, species, general appearance). - General condition of the surrounding area (fire, blowdown, logging, and so forth). - Personal opinion of the problem: the collector’s opinion can be very helpful.
• Fruit, leaf and stem diseases: Do not ship in plastic bags. Sprinkle lightly with water before wrapping in newspaper.
Appendix 3: Field Materials for the Car or Day Pack ppendix 3: Field Materials for the Car or Day Pack Below is a list of useful tools for site visit collecting, and other items:
plastic vials plastic bags paper bags
gloves branch clippers sturdy knife
trowel or small shovel paper towels waterproof marker
hand lens pencil, notepad, business cards CES publications on common pests
Car mileage sheet - keep track of your travel! —9—