Biocontrol UF/SMP planning session -- 16 August 2000, Gainesville -- minutes.

Dr. J. H. Frank, University of Florida, IFAS

The meeting began at 1:00 pm. Those attending were:

  • Borovsky, D. - Medical Entomology Laboratory - UF
  • Brenneman, J.S. - Polk/Hillsbourgh County CES
  • Brinen, G.H. - Alachua County CES
  • Capinera, J.L. - Entomology and Nematology -UF
  • Charudattan, R. - Plant Pathology - UF
  • Cuda, J.P. - Entomology and Nematology -UF
  • Dickson, D.W. - Entomology and Nematology - UF
  • Douglas, M.A. - IFAS Communication Services - UF
  • Fasulo, T. - Entomology and Nematology -UF
  • Frank, J.H. - Entomology and Nematology - UF
  • Gioeli, K.T. - St. Lucie County CES
  • Hoy, M.A. - Entomology and Nematology -UF
  • Leppla, N.C. - Entomology and Nematology - UF
  • Melton, F.M. - Manatee County CES
  • Pratt, P.D. - USDA/ARS Ft. Lauderdale
  • Price, J.F. - Gulf Coast REC - UF
  • Stansly, P.A. - SouthWest Florida REC - UF
  • Stocker, R.K. - CAP
  • Webb, S.E. - Entomology and Nematology -UF

After the name of the person is the name or abbreviation for that person's unit.

James Cuda explained the purpose of the meeting, the function of SMPs ("State Major Programs" within the Extension Service), and the function of "Design Teams" (the core membership of SMPs). He provided two handouts that had been prepared for the planning session, including (a) "Proposed State Major Program in Biological Control Implementation" and (b) a list of agenda. He led the ensuing discussion.

1. What is a "State Major Program"?

The concept of SMPs is explained in Fact Sheet PE-49 of January 1994, that of SMPs and design teams in Fact Sheet PE-56 of December 1994, and the extension specialist's role and responsibility in Circular PE-63 revised of July 1996.

2. Why do we need a State Major Program for biological control?

The answer in general is that too little information is available, and it is fragmented. Specifics enumerated by James Cuda were:

  • Determine needs and opportunities for biological control in Florida
  • Increase communication
  • Foster collaboration
  • Inventory biological control projects in Florida
  • Identify expertise
  • Maintain linkages
  • Enhance teaching of biological control
  • Describe biological control projects, successful and unsuccessful
  • Engage user groups

3. The role of the Extension Digital Information Service (EDIS)

The new search ability of EDIS allows the finding of a fair amount of biological control information on UF computers, but it is far from adequate and is unfocused. IFAS Communications Services (reformed from EMS, which before that was IFAS Editorial) now has in place the concept of "Departmental Editorial Contacts (Cluster Editors)" with Marion Douglas stationed in the Entomology/Nematology Department and serving also Plant Pathlogy and Environmental Horticulture. Commercial search engines such as DogPile and Yahoo likewise allow the public to search for information, but what they obtain is of highly variable quality and utility. Some of the best information is from biocontrol sites for a few northern states, but this is not very relevant to Florida.

4. Why a biological control SMP needs a web site.

The answer in general is that such a web site can provide a portal to useful biocontrol information. It could and should include purposely written items specific to Florida. It could and would be linked to EDIS. Concern was expressed by at least one county faculty member that a web site with full public access might make county faculty unnecessary to the public's access to the information. The concern was allayed by the realization that the complexity of the information to be presented on the web site would mean that many members of the public would not understand how to search and would not have the patience to learn. Two other steps would be taken specifically to promote county faculty involvement. First, that opening screens would announce that county faculty members are to be the first contacts in providing information. Second, the web site would include a LIST-SERV for use only by SMP members, and invisible to other users of the web site

5. Action to be taken.

The outcome of discussion is as follows:

  • 5.a. Title
    It was agreed that the title for the SMP should be "Delivery of Biological Control Technology and Information." There was some discussion whether "in Florida" should be added to the title but in the end most participants felt it was redundant. However, we may have to add the phrase if the Dean's Office requests it.
  • 5.b. Scope

    Not specifically addressed, but we can assume that the SMP will cover all biologically-based technologies (in entomology, nematology, plant pathology, weed science, and perhaps microbiology) that ultimately result in reduction in the use of pesticides in Florida. Needs further discussion via the closed LIST-SERV that will be developed by Tom Fasulo. The goal of Design Team is to provide leadership in training the trainers.

  • 5.c. Partners

    Again, not specifically addressed but the intent is to be all inclusive as indicated in the invitation letter that was sent out. Partners from all institutions (universities, the USDA, and FDACS) would interact with county extension faculty and primarily through them with the target audience at the county level: the homeowner, master gardener, producers, 4-H, and other professionals (e.g., land managers, biologists from DEP, WMDs, and MCDs)

  • 5.d. Funding

    Jim Cuda is currently preparing a grant proposal that will be submitted to the SARE Southern Region - Professional Development Program. Phil Stansly suggested that we really need to request funding directly from the Extension Dean's Office. John Capinera and Jim Cuda will pursue this option.

  • 5.e. Responsibilities

    The goal of the SMP will be to train extension professionals so that they can provide:

    • up-to-date information on the biology and appropriate use of natural enemies and antagonists. A new Web site will be developed in collaboration with Tom Fasulo and Marion Douglas to expedite the process.
    • practical training in the proper use of biological control agents via demonstration projects.
    • high quality images of the natural enemies for use on the new web site (individuals with the appropriate expertise will be responsible for searching EDIS, Featured Creatures, and other web sites to find out what is currently available).
  • 5.f. Mission Statement

    It was agreed that we need a mission statement. The statement prepared by Jim Cuda and Norm Leppla will be circulated on the closed LIST-SERV for comment by the Design Team.

  • 5.g. Extension Co-Leader

    Gary Brinen agreed to serve as the Extension Co-Leader with Jim Cuda and Norm Leppla. The consensus of the group was the Co-Leaders will serve for a period of 4 years.

  • 5.h. Miscellaneous

    Tom Fasulo provided some preliminary ideas on web site development. It was agreed that a chat-room could present problems but that an "Ask the Expert" component was important as a mechanism for county faculty to contact the appropriate Extension Specialist, if necessary. A password available only to Extension Faculty that would give them exclusive access to the "Ask the Expert" section would prevent the public from by-passing the county faculty.

    It was agreed that the Florida BioControl web site should have a unique logo. Howard Frank suggested an alligator eating a dog; it was agreed that this would be unique and might even represent biological control, but might be found objectionable by some parties.

    A "membership" list is to be developed not only of people who attended the planning session, but of others who want to be involved. Availability of their e-mail addresses will allow them to be informed of activities.