During the life of the project, a focal point will be the development of a synthesis network, representing the integration and implementation of crop and pest management strategies for diverse production systems. The synthesis will result from a collaboration of research scientists, extension specialists, and representatives from private industry. The goals of the network include reflection on current and future problems, development of strategies for problem-solving and identification, integration of ideas towards common objectives, communication of new and existing knowledge as well as methods to extend that knowledge, and application of techniques to novel situations. The synthesis will provide new insights, resulting in the development of new knowledge and improving our ability to educate farmers on the options available to them. Expected outcomes from the synthesis network include state-of-the- science reports, new proposals for research and extension, clear diagnosis and prescription of pest and crop problems and options for management, and outreach to farmers.

To assure accountability, we will have the following performance indicators/measures:

• New varieties. The public institutions will work with seed companies to improve varieties available with increased pest resistance and increased persistence.
• Leveraged research funding. Several multistate, multidiscipline proposals have been funded already from collaboration within these participants. We intend to develop more such proposals on the strength of the regional project.
• New methodologies for pest identification and stand persistence. In addition to alfalfa, many of the problems of persistence pertain to other forage legumes (e.g red clover birdsfoot trefoil) as well. We intend to develop and instruct others on means to improve pest identification and stand persistence.
• Enhanced communication across professional groups. The communication network established during the course of the project will continue, and serve as a forum for continued research and education.
• Increased implementation of IPM. We will use surveys, such as USDA (1998) as well as our own (see objective 1C), to document changes in pest management strategies on a regional and national level. In addition, selected states intend to document the degree of implementation of IPM.

Overall, we believe that the Regional Research Project will especially enhance the development of technology and adoption of ecologically-based pest management by farmers. Adoption will be based on the high quality of information that results from the assessment of specific user needs and is provided by the technology generated across scientific disciplines and industry/government sectors.