Communication for Continuing Impact: Creating an ornamental IPM web-based resource for growers and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators

Abstract

Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on farms can be a complicated and very information-dense process. Many growers use web-based information but it can be difficult to find what you need when you need it. While the New York State IPM Program has an ornamentals IPM webpage, it was not oriented toward ease of use by growers. Ornamentals covers greenhouse, nursery, Christmas tree, and sod growers, and while some information might be relevant to all, much is more commodity specific. Adding commodity orientation to the web presence makes the information more easily searched for growers and for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) educators working with producers. The objective of this project is to create a webpage based information hub for ornamental IPM to encourage communication between growers, CCE educators, faculty, and IPM personnel. Progress to date includes the creation of the webpages that will serve as the central organizing point for the information hub.