The article, "Evaluating Master Gardener Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Knowledge," examines participants' understanding of key IPM principles, including pest identification, monitoring, cultural and biological controls, and responsible pesticide use. The research uses survey-based assessments to evaluate how well Master Gardeners apply IPM concepts in educational and outreach settings.
Results indicate that Master Gardeners generally demonstrate a solid foundational understanding of IPM, particularly in recognizing the importance of prevention and nonchemical control strategies. However, the study also identifies areas where additional training could improve confidence and consistency in applying IPM practices, such as pest diagnosis accuracy and decision-making thresholds.
The findings highlight the value of ongoing education and targeted training for Master Gardener programs to ensure volunteers are well equipped to promote science-based pest management to the public. Strengthening IPM knowledge among these educators can support environmentally responsible gardening practices and improve the quality of outreach provided to home gardeners and communities.
This research provides useful guidance for Extension professionals seeking to refine Master Gardener curricula and reinforce IPM principles within volunteer education programs.
According to the author, "Through my work as a Clemson Extension Horticulture Agent, I have seen firsthand how important Master Gardener volunteers are in helping us deliver research-based horticultural information to the public. Integrated pest management is a fundamental component of that education, but we wanted to better understand how well volunteers grasp key IPM principles and identify areas where additional training may be beneficial.
Our goal was to establish a national baseline of Master Gardener IPM knowledge that Extension professionals could use to evaluate and strengthen their training programs. By identifying both strengths and knowledge gaps, we hope this research will help improve initial and continuing education opportunities and better prepare volunteers to provide accurate, science-based pest management recommendations to the communities they serve."
The following horticultural professionals contributed to this research: Andrew Jeffers (Horticultural Agent), Carmen Ketron (Urban Horticultural Agent), Shannon Seegers (State Program Coordinator - Master Gardener Program), Brad Fowler (Commercial Horticultural Agent), Stephanie Turner (Horticultural Agent), and Bryan Smith (Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer).
Drew Jeffers is a Horticulture Agent and County Coordinator with Clemson University Cooperative Extension, where he specializes in ornamental plant production, integrated pest management (IPM), and sustainable landscape practices.
The full article can be read on the ASHS HortTech electronic Journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05760-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
