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Cornell University

The Nault Lab

Applied insect ecology and management of vegetable insect pests

Extension

Mission, Goals and Approach

Mission

The mission of my extension program is to be regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized as a leader in vegetable entomology by providing and generating research-based information that leads to significant advancements in vegetable pest management such as better efficiency of managing inputs, increased compatibility with natural occurring biological control and improved safety to the user, environment and consumers.

Goals

  1. Develop linkages with vegetable extension and the vegetable industry. To meet this goal, I have developed close associations with University faculty, University extension educators, the Cornell IPM Program, Cornell Vegetable Program Work Team, crop consultants, representatives from agricultural industries and vegetable growers. Consistent interactions with this large group provides me with a firm grasp of the vegetable industry’s concerns and needs. Additionally, this network of vegetable stakeholders discusses and tackles problems together.
  2. Communicate effectively with the vegetable industry. This goal has been met by providing pertinent and timely pest management information to the constituents of the vegetable industry in a manner that is easy to understand. There are multiple effective avenues in which pest management information is communicated to the vegetable industry and they are included via the other links in the Extension section. Such information should help the vegetable industry continue to compete effectively on a regional and global basis.
  3. Advocate for New York’s vegetable industry. To meet this goal, crises faced by the New York vegetable industry must be addressed in the short-term and long-term. Examples may include support of emergency pesticide registrations to manage pest outbreaks in vegetable crops, and to generate information that may influence future policies that impact pesticide use on vegetable crops in New York.

Approach

An overarching approach to accomplishing these goals is to maintain and establish relationships with vegetable growers, agricultural industry, state and federal government agencies and the public.