Farmer champions are needed to help Iowa develop strategies to win the battle against resistant insects and weeds, according to Evan Sivesind, the program manager for the Iowa Pest Resistance Management Plan (IPRMP).  

“Having the right people with the right interest to build a program around is monumental,” he said.

The Iowa-specific plan was launched last year to address pests — including weeds, insects and plant diseases —that can adapt and become resistant to chemical, genetic and agronomic control practices. The IPRMP outlines approaches for effective, integrated management solutions that will delay or perhaps prevent pest resistance.

A key part of the IPRMP are pilot projects aimed at raising...