Yuma Students Lead the Way in Sustainable Farming Research
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Students in Yuma are stepping beyond the classroom and into the field through a unique University of Arizona program focused on sustainable farming, pest management, and the future of agriculture in the desert Southwest.
The university’s Junior Vegetable Integrated Pest Management — or IPM — team gives undergraduate students hands-on experience in agricultural science while helping local growers tackle real-world challenges. From invasive insects to environmentally friendly pest control methods, students are conducting research that directly impacts one of Yuma’s most important industries.
The program is funded through a federal USDA NIFA Crop Protection and Pest Management grant and is managed by Macey Keith. Keith says the program is designed to give students a safe environment to learn through hands-on experience before entering the professional world.
“But this program has been really great I think to help all the students at every level understand what they're passionate about, what they wanna do, what they don't wanna do,” Keith said.
Students in the program work alongside university researchers in several agricultural fields, including entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
One student researcher, Josett Clark, focused her research on the Diamondback moth — a major threat to local crops. Clark studied behavioral control methods aimed at stopping the pests before they can damage fields by laying eggs.
Her research explored the use of UV lights and sweet alyssum flowers to attract and trap moths before they become a larger problem for growers. Clark’s work earned her a travel grant to present her findings at the Entomological Society of America conference in Spokane, Washington.
“There's always overlap between these different areas of agriculture, so entomology is something you always want to be knowledgeable on,” Clark said.
Another student researcher, Rosaelba Soto, studied biological pest control methods involving lady beetles and aphids in organic crops such as lettuce and broccoli.
Soto says the experience expanded her understanding of how insects affect overall plant health and shifted her career goals.
“My interests were in plant pathology when I started this, but learning about IPM made me learn about the importance that pests play also in plant pathology as insect vectors… so it really does go hand in hand,” Soto explained.
Researchers say the students’ work not only benefits local agriculture but also helps build the next generation of scientists and agricultural leaders in Yuma.
The students recently showcased their research during the university’s “Celebration of Knowledge” event, where community members were able to view student presentations and learn more about the ongoing projects.
As several students prepare to graduate and continue into careers or advanced degrees in agriculture and science, university leaders say their research is already making a lasting impact on the region’s farming community
