Growers can now easily identify and manage insects while in the field using smart phones and tablets with a new online tool developed by Oregon State University and partners.
Last year, if a grower found a glob of frothy, white foam smeared on a patch of young alfalfa hay, one option was to comb through 600-plus pages in a three-ring binder to identify the culprit as a meadow spittlebug.
Now, growers can check the revamped Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook website.
The website is designed for easy viewing on all screen sizes – from desktop computers to mobile devices. It includes all content from the printed handbook. Plus, most webpages on the site include photos and links. Website users can also print factsheets on individual pests and share handbook content on social media.
Two related publications, the PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook and PNW Weed Management Handbook also have companion websites.