Location: Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research
Project Number: 2092-22430-003-064-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2024
End Date: Jan 30, 2027
Objective:
The Cooperator will lead Education Plan Objective 1 of the funded grant project
Objective 1. Increase grower knowledge and adoption of natural enemy release best management practices.
Activity 1A. Create a toolkit for growers to train their workforce on lacewing releases
Activity 1B. Create a web-based resource that acts as a “one-stop shop” for information on release best practices
Activity 1C. Increase grower adoption of successful lacewing releases using a participatory research framework, including twice-annual advisory meetings, three field days, and one intensive session at Tree Fruit Days
Approach:
The Cooperator will:
• Organize advisory meetings.
• Create a dedicated webpage at treefruit.wsu.edu for natural enemy release information including videos, photos, and best practices. To develop these tools, the Cooperator will accompany ARS staff to field sites to gather video and photos and work with the PI to create written content.
• Update web content regularly.
• Create, print, and distribute a ‘Tail-gate training kit’ which will facilitate managers training crews who will be deploying natural enemy releases and related activities (e.g., sprays). The training kit will include: (1) A 10-page illustrated 11×17 inch laminated plain language flipchart, (2) A plain language handout in English and Spanish, and (3) A pocket flipbook identifying key natural enemies.
• Organize half-day Natural Enemy Releases session at Tree Fruit Days in Wenatchee, WA reaching 200 plus individuals.
• Organize 3 on-farm field days in Brewster, Wenatchee and Yakima, WA.
• Elaborate, deploy, and summarize evaluations of extension content.
