Beetles and Scales, tales from the Summer Trails

• Thoburn Freeman, Insect Ecology and Conservation, University of Delaware

• Brian Kunkel, Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware

This summer I worked with Dr. Brian Kunkel and other cooperative extension professionals as an Extension Scholar intern. My internship focused on entomology and community education. Some projects were associated with the “communities objective” in the Extension Implementation Project.  This objective focused on the life cycle and natural enemies of crape myrtle bark scale, biology of other pests, and documents arthropods visiting native plants used in Master Naturalist demonstration gardens.  The IR-4 group funded a project to look at the efficacy of insecticides on red-headed flea beetles in nurseries. Our research aimed to alleviate the damage they cause plants, by creating pest management strategies. Another portion of my summer was dedicated to Cooperative Extension outreach efforts aimed at the green industry. I presented information at various educational events including two intensive hands-on workshops, an industry expo, and multiple pest walks. I wrote an article on white grubs for the weekly industry newsletter.  Furthermore, I worked on the master naturalist program, which aimed to incorporate more plant diversity into the Delaware landscape, in turn increasing insect diversity. We evaluated the change in arthropod numbers and diversity when native plants were introduced into the landscape. For example, we saw a large increase in various native bees, wasps, and other pollinators. My summer was filled with valuable experiences that increased my understanding of IPM, community engagement and education, and the effect various insect pests have on nursery plants. I helped answer questions during the workshops which proved helpful as they allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge and think critically about challenging questions. Cooperative extension plays a crucial role in the Delaware agricultural industry. The projects spearheaded by cooperative extension not only contributed to my professional growth but also supported the goal of promoting sustainable agriculture and landscape practices in our community.