Project Overview
This was Phase III of evaluating the risks/benefits of using mating disruption (MD) and new insecticides for control of codling moth in apples in the Northeast. Research has shown that the third year of MD is the critical transition year in cost and pesticide reduction. The primary participants operating the 150 acre on-farm demonstration for 2008-2009 projects applied pheromones for a third season in 2010 to demonstrate the reduction of insecticide sprays from 6-7 (1st season) to 2-3 insecticides in the third season. This demonstration taught 600 growers how to evaluate the multi-year economic, environmental, and worker safety risks and benefits of mating disruption pheromones, new insecticides, and the timing of controls.
The team analysed the risks/benefits of this new technology using partial budgeting, and a multi-year cash flow analysis, and accumulated net present value of the farms after 3 years of mating disruption. The project also determined the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) of the control programs.
Participants learned about control options, how to choose appropriate options based on insect population, and learned how to use pheromones effectively. Growers with high insect pressure increased profitability by $640-1737 per acre by implementing mating disruption, new insecticides, and improved timing.
Number of Participants: 200
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
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