Laramie – The University of Wyoming Extension recently released a new software application that can be used to identify pests and diseases of Wyoming plants.
The mobile app, called Wyoming Crop Pests, is available for Android and Apple devices and can be found in app stores by searching for “Wyoming Crop Pests.” UW Extension entomologist Scott Schell developed the tool to help growers and hobby gardeners identify plant diseases and pests.
The Wyoming Crop Pests app contains information on common pests of vegetables grown in Wyoming. Users select a crop and damage types based on both images and short descriptions. Once users have used the interactive key to narrow down the types of pests that may be causing the damage they are seeing, they can explore links that explain the best ways to control those pests.
To develop the app, Schell tapped resources from other land-grant universities to share links to up-to-date, well-researched information about each pest. The app also contains links to the “Wyoming Fruit and Vegetable Growing Guide,” a free publication from the University of Wisconsin Extension that provides comprehensive information on how to garden successfully under Wyoming conditions. While the app currently focuses on vegetable pests, Schell could also add information on fruit pests.
Schell emphasizes that if a user is unsure if what they see in their plants matches what they see in the app, they should contact their local extension office.
“This is a tool that gives people some independence, but I also want them to know where they can ask for more information and help on pest issues,” Schell says. “I’m always happy to see photos of insects!”
He sees the new tool as an opportunity to reach younger audiences who may not know about extension services.
Schell also intended to make the app accessible to users who may be less comfortable with technology. “I find it a little ironic that a guy like me was involved in creating an app,” Schell says. “There’s probably a lot more verbiage explaining how to use it than most apps. For a lot of people my age, these apps are not intuitive.”
For more information on application or Wyoming crop pests, contact Schell at sschell@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-2508.
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