Preserving Biocontrol Agents
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Natural enemies (NE) are crucial to the long-term stability of management programs. Pesticides need to be chosen not only on the basis of efficacy against the pests, but also by minimizing their effect on natural enemies. DAS provides both the effects on pests and on the key natural enemies.
Leafroller and Codling Moth Movement During the Season
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Movement of codling moth and leafrollers into your orchard can be the start of serious damage. Both CM and leafrollers can easily fly 5-7 miles in a single night and their reproduction is as high as those that do not fly. Although 5-7 mile flights are common, the likelihood of the moths coming to your orchard in high numbers is directly related to wind speed, distance from the source, and the environment in between the source and your orchard.
Leafroller Sampling Made Easier
Monday Apr 15, 2019
Leafrollers are nearly impossible to sample when they are in the first 2-3 instars because they are so small. DAS provides intervals during which sampling should occur well ahead of time. To sample leafrollers...
Factors Affecting Bee Pollination of Tree Fruits
Monday Apr 15, 2019
Nearly 1,000 species of bees occur in the Pacific Northwest, but only a small number of species are useful in the pollination of orchard crops. Pesticide use and loss of appropriate nesting habitat have reduced the numbers of wild bee pollinators, leaving most of the pollination for commercial orchards dependent on honeybees. The success of honeybee pollination in tree fruits is affected by a number of factors, which in part can be manipulated by orchardists and beekeepers.
Planning for Fire Blight Prevention
Monday Apr 15, 2019
As Fire Blight season approaches make sure you have your fire blight plan in place. Most products work best when applied within the 12-24 hour window before a wetting event so a good plan is critical to timely execution. Know your high-risk areas, calibrate your sprayers, have products on hand, and be agile to change plans when mother nature and thinning change the reality for you. Check out our newly updated Fire Blight Page for ideas on improving your programs. Any time there are blooms on the tree there is risk of fire blight.