By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Some training at New Mexico State University is designed to fight crop damage ..
Insects and diseases are responsible for big economic losses
every year in New Mexico and across the Southwest.
Now, thanks to a series of first detector training courses hosted by the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service ..there's a small army of people trained to spot outbreaks sooner - often before they get out of hand.
Over the last year, nearly 170 people attended training courses from 10 different counties in New Mexico as well as Texas and Arizona.
Participants learn how to properly submit samples to
NMSU's Plant Diagnostic Clinic, which suggests control measures when available.
And .those who complete the course are now part of a national network of first detectors ..receiving timely pest alerts and educational materials.