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New Microscopes Aid in Identification - September 2001
September 25, 2001
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Using state-of-the-art equipment, Penn State county extension agents are now able to identify insect pests and the causes of leaf injury and damaged fruits and vegetables faster and more accurately then ever before.
Thanks to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Department of Entomology and the Pennsylvania IPM Program, York and Indiana counties received new microscope and photo equipment that allows high quality photomicrographs to be taken by extension agents and sent by Internet to specialists for identification and advice. Previously, specimens had to be hand-carried or mailed to campus, and it took several days to return advice.
According to Steve Jacobs, Extension Entomologist at Penn State, each of the counties has received a trinocular dissecting microscope with a digital camera. This system works with a new computer that will allow the user to take a digital image of an insect or disease and send it electronically to appropriate personnel in Penn State Departments including Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Horticulture and Entomology. "Basically, the use of this new technology will allow us to expedite identification of pests and serve our stakeholders better," says Jacobs.
The system will also help county extension agents implement Integrated Pest Management practices. Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, aims to control pests -- such as insects, diseases, weeds and animals -- by combining physical, biological and chemical tactics that are safe and environmentally compatible. "The bedrock of IPM is accurate identification, and this system will better enable us to do it," Jacobs explains.
The Penn State's Department of Entomology may be contacted at (814) 865-1895.