Evaluation of the Soybean Rust Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) Public Website's Impact on Certified Crop Advisers

Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio were surveyed to determine the usefulness of the Soybean Rust Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) public website (sbr.ipmpipe.org). Their responses were collected using a webbased survey instrument. A total of 361 CCAs of 3,051 contacted (12%) responded to the survey. In addition to being asked to evaluate the Soybean Rust PIPE public website, the CCAs were asked about the value of the sentinel plot network used to monitor the spread of soybean rust in the United States. The majority (> 90%) of the CCAs indicated that they value the Soybean Rust PIPE public website and sentinel plot network, and that they felt somewhat to very confident in the sentinel plot network. Accepted for publication 5 May 2010. Published 1 July 2010.