Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection
Project Number: 8080-21000-032-063-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
End Date: Jul 31, 2028
Objective:
The objectives for this project will be: 1) measuring phenological shifts of these key pests and evaluating reliability of available monitoring tools and models; 2) refining IPM tools to ensure compatibility with evolving production practices, regulatory changes, and climate; 3) suppress pest populations across orchard agroecosystems with promising biocontrol agents and integrating enhanced IPM tactics; and 4) assessing the socioeconomic impact of enhanced IPM programs to promote grower adoption and market flexibility.
Approach:
The insect pests identified as of highest concern by Eastern growers include codling moth (Cydia pomonella), oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), San Jose scale (Comstockaspis perniciosus), plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar), invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), and trunk-boring sesiid moth pests: peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa), lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon picitipes), and dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula). For objective 1, we will use historical data sets and novel automated traps to improve decision support for codling moth and oriental fruit moth. Historical data on San Jose Scale activity and horticultural stress indicators will be integrated into novel prediction tools. Novel attractants for plum curculio and relationships between brown marorated stink bug and Samurai wasp captures will be evaluated in the field. Factors associated with grower perception of IPM tools that enable or create barriers to adoption will be quantified. For objective 2, we will conduct semi-field and field studies aimed at improving biocontrol agents for Lepidopteran pests, San Jose scale and brown marmorated stink bug. Novel management tools including scalable mating disruption for lepidopteran pests and San Jose scale will be developed in a series of field studies. Border-based management tools for plum curculio and brown marmorated stink bug including the use of deterrents and trap-based treatment thresholds will be developed using field studies. Grower perceptions of novel management tools will be captured. For objective 3, we will develop a risk-based decision matrix for pests of Eastern tree fruit based on risk levels quantified using field data. Integration of enhanced IPM tactics will be conducted in the field and compared with standard practices. In objective 4, our team will produce Extension-ready case studies highlighting the economics of enhanced IPM, hold workshops for growers and emerging farmer audiences, and mentor graduate students in Extension. Climate-smart recommendations will be delivered to Eastern tree fruit growers through field days, print, and digital media.
