Resource Handbook for Twilight Summer Tree Fruit IPM Workshop
Principal Investigator:
Ted W. Gastier, Huron County Agricultural Agent
Abstract:
Tree fruit growers in North Central Ohio were provided with the
opportunity to increase their knowledge and sharpen their diagnostic skills at identification
and management of insects, mites, and diseases in an orchard setting. On July 17, 1996,
Brad, Margaret, and Linda of the A. B. Phillips & Sons Fruit Farm, hosted a Twilight
Alternative Apple Pest Management Training Meeting. Growers and Extension personnel
were lead in discussions by Dr. Celeste Welty, Extension Entomologist and Dr. Michael Ellis,
Extension Plant Pathologist. A reference manual was provided to a representative of each
attending orchard. Funding from the IPM Mini-grant supplied those manuals which we trust
will occupy a prominent place at the growers' offices.
Description and Contents of Reference Manual: The Alternative Apple Pest Management Resource Handbook was assembled to provide commercial apple producers with a reference
manual that could be used by those interested in moving beyond calendar- based spray guides.
Background materials for alternative pest management that were included:
1). A copy of Chapter 1 from Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring".
2). Series of Cleveland Press articles titled "Noisy Autumn" by John Troan which
were published after the release of "Silent Spring".
3). A short editorial titled "Philosophy of IPM and Sustainable Agriculture" by
Ted Gastier and originally included in Vol. 5, No. 17 issue of the "North Central Tree Fruit IPM Newsletter, dated August 10, 1995.
4). Pesticide Laws and Events derived from the "Complete Guide of Pest Control" by George Ware.
5). "Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Disease Management Guidelines for Apples in Ohio, 1994" by Dr. Michael Ellis.
6). The "piece de resistance", a full-color book titled "Common Tree Fruit Pests" by Dr. Argus Howitt. The color pictures and descriptions are intended to assist growers in the identification of pest insects and mites as well as beneficial insects and mites. Correct identification is essential to the success of alternative apple pest management systems including Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Extension Program Implementations:
Apple producers have been aware of the availability of the "Common Tree Fruit Pests" book as it has been used by our scout/technicians with our IPM program. However, there has been a general reluctance to purchase the book by individual growers because the cost of $30 has been perceived to be excessive. The IPM Mini-grant purchased the books at a volume discount. The quality of the book served as an attraction for the required pre-registration that included $10 per family to defray the cost of a light supper for all thirty-nine participants. We feel that attendance was enhanced through this method and will consider using similar procedures in future Extension programming.
For further information contact Ted W. Gastier Extension Agent, Ohio State University Extension, Huron County or the Ohio IPM Office.
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