By Brad Bergefurd, Extension Horticulture Specialist
As a part of the OSU College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Sustainable Food Systems area a Specialty Crop Pest Scouting Program was organized in partnership with the OSU Extension Ross and Pike County Offices. Funding received was a part of a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant for a Crop Protection and Pest Management for an in-season fruit and vegetable integrated pest management scouting, monitoring and education program. Two OSU CFAES students were employed to scout 12 fruit and vegetable farms in four counties. These farms represent over 300 acres of high-value specialty crops reported, reducing and/or better managing pesticide applications and developing an increased awareness of pest management scouting practices.