2019 Science Policy Tour: Collaborative Approach to Resistance Management

On August 6-7, 2019, the ESA P-IE and PBT Sections partnered with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) to host a Resistance Management Tour. This opportunity combined classroom and experiential learning as well as networking opportunities for an immersive opportunity to engage with others on this critical issue. 

What was the 2019 Resistance Management Tour?

This Science Policy Tour was a two-day commitment that involved in-person and in-field ‘hands-on’ interactions in several subjects related to resistance management. The Tour took place in Nebraska and Iowa and was an opportunity to see first-hand successful programs in resistance management across different environments focusing on insects and weeds. During the tour, the participants had the opportunity to interact with key stakeholders who are actively working on different projects related to resistance management. This is a collaboration between ESA's P-IE and PBT Sections as well as the WSSA.

The tour aligned with the ESA Grand Challenges around sustainable agriculture, invasive insects, and vector-borne diseases. The focus of the Tour was on agriculture, but the application of resistance management programs has broader implications for ecosystem resilience. The ultimate goal is for ESA to become a lead national expert organization for developing and disseminating knowledge on collaborative approaches to insect resistance management to the general public, media, and policymakers by the end of the decade.

What were the desired outcomes of the Resistance Management Tour?

  • Action plans at all levels that support and sustain local community-based solutions.
  • Participants felt empowered with a clear identification of their roles in leading action plans at all levels.
  • Participants were armed with examples and contacts of working community-based groups.

Agenda:

Unlike earlier ESA tours, this tour included classroom learning and other immersive learning techniques. The Agenda spanned two days and two states - click here for details.

To learn more, read this article from Entomology Today!