04/19/05 Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network

The PNW Pest Alert network is up and running. First launched in the Treasure Valley in 2001, the service was extended last year to include southern Idaho potato growers. University of Idaho potato pathologist Jeff Miller is part of the Pest Alert team. MILLER "We try to get information on disease forecasting so growers have a heads up for what diseases might be coming down the line. We also try to give specific information about disease outbreaks. We also try to give notification of different meetings that are available so growers can go to those." Go to www.pnwpestalert.net and you can select the Join Mail list. Last year 366 subscribers did just that and they got immediate e-mail notification about pest outbreaks or field diseases in their areas. MILLER "They didn't have to run out and put on fungicide applications until they saw it was getting a little bit closer to them. So they felt it was a good way to get a heads up on when to look at their fields closer." Miller and U of I's Jerry Neufeld in Canyon County say they welcome feedback and suggestions on how the service can be improved. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott