Lucentlands Podcast | Ep54: Jeanne de Waal on Transforming Pest Management (IPM) with Field Guides

In Episode 54 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Jeanne de Waal, a passionate entomologist and author of the acclaimed field guide series "Scout." Jeanne shares her inspiring journey from aspiring human doctor to a renowned expert in agricultural pest management. Jeanne de Waal's love for entomology began at Stellenbosch University, where she transitioned from a city background to the world of agriculture. Her fascination with pests and disease management led her to pursue a PhD in entomology. With her vast knowledge and dedication, Jeanne recognized the need to make scientific information accessible and practical for farmers and industry professionals. In this episode, Jeanne delves into the creation of her "Scout" field guides, which have become indispensable tools for those working in orchards and vineyards. These guides, designed to be as user-friendly as bird-watching manuals, help farmers identify and manage pests with ease. Jeanne explains how these guides combine detailed photographs, illustrations, and comprehensive descriptions to assist users in recognizing pest symptoms and understanding their biology. Jeanne discusses the challenges she faced in creating these guides, such as securing funding and ensuring the content was both accurate and accessible. She emphasizes the importance of making the guides durable and practical, considering the rugged environments in which they are used. The "Scout" guides have been widely praised and translated into multiple languages, making them valuable resources for a broad audience. Jeanne highlights the collaborative efforts with industry experts and partners that contributed to the guides' high-quality content and photographs. Looking ahead, Jeanne shares her plans to expand the "Scout" series to cover more crops, including tomatoes, apples, pears, and stone fruits, with potential future guides for macadamias and other crops. Her commitment to supporting the agricultural community through her work in entomology and writing remains unwavering. Jeanne also offers personal insights into her experiences as a woman in agriculture, encouraging young people to explore various career paths in the field. She underscores the importance of embracing one's unique skills and not being intimidated by challenges. In her closing thoughts, Jeanne expresses gratitude for the platform provided by the  @lucentlands  Podcast and the opportunity to share her work and insights with a wider audience. Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Jeanne de Waal as we explore the world of agricultural pest management and the impact of her innovative "Scout" field guides. Key Discussion Points: •Jeanne's journey from aspiring human doctor to entomologist •The creation and impact of the "Scout" field guides •Challenges and achievements in making scientific information accessible •Future plans for expanding the "Scout" series •Personal insights into being a woman in agriculture •Encouragement for young people to explore careers in agriculture Find Jeanne at Laeveld Agrochem https://laeveld.co.za/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-de-waal-3184908/ Listen and Subscribe: Stay updated with the latest episodes of the Lucentland Podcast by subscribing on YouTube and Spotify. Don't forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts on this episode! Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65533609/admin/feed/posts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucentlands Website: http://lucentlands.co.za/ Tune in now for an enlightening episode with Jeanne de Waal and discover how her field guides are transforming pest management in agriculture!