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<OL> <LI> To develop new IPM strategies and control technologies that are effective and economically viable options for reduced-risk pest management programs in eastern apple and peach production systems.<LI> To determine the effectiveness of whole-farm approaches for managing the arthropod pests of eastern US apple and peach orchards that rely on mating disruption and/or reduced-risk and OP-replacement insecticides for pest control.<LI> To determine the environmental and economic impact of whole farm approaches for managing the arthropod pests of eastern US apple and peach orchards that rely on mating disruption and/or reduced-risk and OP-replacement insecticides for pest control.
Non-Technical Summary: The loss of organophosphate insecticides due to regulatory decisions is causing the eastern tree fruit industry to adopt new approaches to managing arthropod pests. This project will develop and implement cost-effective, reduced-risk approaches to managing arthropods in eastern apple and peaches. <P> Approach: Apples and peaches in the eastern US are high value crops, with an annual worth of $500 million. The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, concerns of consumer advocacy organizations, and insecticide resistance will limit future use of organophosphate and other conventional insecticides that growers currently rely on to protect their crops. A 4-year research project (2002 to 2005) demonstrated that arthropod pests on apples and peaches in the eastern US could be controlled using reduced-risk insecticides and mating disruption, but these programs were substantially more expensive (1.5 to 3.0X) than growers' standard programs. This high cost will severely limit widespread adoption of these programs by eastern U.S. growers. The next phase of this project proposes to develop new approaches and controls that will enhance the effectiveness and profitability of eastern apple and peach reduced-risk pest management programs. The objectives of the proposed project are: 1) to develop new IPM strategies and control technologies that are effective and economically viable options for reduced-risk pest management programs in eastern apple and peach production systems, 2) to determine the effectiveness of whole-farm approaches for managing the arthropod pests of eastern US apple and peach orchards that rely on mating disruption and/or reduced-risk and OP-replacement insecticides for pest control, and 3) to determine the environmental and economic impact of whole farm approaches for managing the arthropod pests of eastern US apple and peach orchards that rely on mating disruption and/or reduced-risk and OP-replacement insecticides for pest control.