About Alabama IPM Information Center

The goal of Alabama Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Information Center is to support the communications network of the Southern Region IPM Center (SRIPMC) by promoting IPM knowledge and adoption in Alabama. The Alabama IPM Program focuses on implementation of IPM practices in traditional and non-traditional agriculture. Specific objectives are to: i) enhance IPM communication by providing important and timely IPM information to stakeholders in Alabama through appropriate media; ii) provide planning, coordination and oversight for SRIPMC projects conducted in Alabama, including crop profiles, pest management strategic plans (PMSPs), special projects, and for stakeholder-identified priorities in the state; iii) identify and prioritize needs and opportunities for IPM research and education in the state; and iv) foster interdisciplinary collaboration among various IPM specialists (i.e. entomologists, plant pathologists, weed scientists), as well as facilitate partnerships among researchers, extension agents/IPM educators, and other IPM stakeholders. In addition, Alabama IPM has set aside funds for a competitive IPM minigrants program to assist Extension Agricultural Agents and relevant faculty to demonstrate IPM principles or solve an immediate IPM-related clientele-identified need in Alabama. In order to help accomplish these objectives and develop IPM research and extension priorities for Alabama, an Advisory Board has been established consisting of a broad-based stakeholder network.

This website will serve as a link for Alabama's research, extension, teaching, regulatory, administrative, and clientele communities involved in IPM. It will serve as a central location for posting pest management information (e.g., pest alerts, news, important upcoming meetings, changes in pesticide use and regulations) and other related information. The website will also contain information on state and regional IPM priorities, links to completed crop profiles and PMSPs, relevant IPM publications, as well as linkages to the websites for the SRIPMC, USDA Crop Database, EPA, commodity group websites, and other regional and national IPM sites.

Identified IPM Priorities for Alabama

To reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies and improve cost benefit analyses when adopting IPM practices in:

A) Production agriculture:
i) Re-evaluation of techniques and tools available for IPM practitioners with emphasis on precision agriculture (GPS systems, mapping, record keeping, site specific delivery of pesticides).
ii) Evaluation of new monitoring tools for use in IPM systems.
iii) Re-evaluation and re-organization of IPM delivery systems to practitioners.
iv) Evaluation of IPM strategies and new tools against fruit and vegetable crop pests.
v) Promote stored grain IPM, with emphasis on fumigation safety.
vi) Promote use of IPM tactics in wheat, corn, and forage crops.

B) Natural resources and recreational environments:
i) Monitor natural and urban forest environments for invasive species.

C) Residential and public areas:
i) Sustainable fire ant management using a bait-based approach.

The Alabama IPM Advisory Board

The Alabama IPM Advisory Board consists of a diverse array of stakeholders (IPM faculty/specialists, extension agents, farmers/producers, industry representatives, and state/regulatory agency representatives) from across the state. The Advisory Board meets 1-2 times each year to review progress, suggest priorities and advise the IPM Coordinator/State Contact. In addition, members also communicate frequently via to address important issues that may arise in between the formal meetings.