|
home > scientific farming > ipm > ipm -3
New Techniques
The Search for New Integrated Production Methods
Pesticide reduction on control of periodic insect pests.
- although rotation in a classic sense is not used in tart cherry production, growers can
suppress populations of June beetle larva and nematodes by cover cropping with rye
grass or sorghum for two years prior to planting a new orchard. These larva can cause a
significant reduction in tree growth of young trees by root feeding.
- Climbing cutworms can destroy developing buds and reduce leaf area on young trees.
Some growers control cutworms by placing a paper, tar paper, or ‘tanglefoot’ barrier
around the tree trunk.
Spray application technology.
With commonly available spray application equipment,
the lower parts of trees are often over sprayed in the process of ensuring adequate
coverage in tops. Cherry growers are beginning to use a sprayer developed by MSU
agricultural engineers Dr. Gary VanEe and Richard Ledebuhr that applies spray of
controlled droplet size in a uniform curtain of air that extends from the top to the bottom
of the tree. By improving delivery of spray material to the tree and hence improving
uniformity of coverage, control of cherry leaf spot and brown rot also are improved,
particularly in the tops of trees. With this type of equipment, chemical application rates
can be reduced by 30 percent. Not insignificant, this technology also significantly
reduces the amount of water required to insure adequate coverage, enhances the ability of
growers to effectively utilize alternate row and border row application strategies, and
reduces the potential for off-target drift.
Using predictive models and management information systems
Using predictive models and management information systems to ensure that
pesticide applications are timely and precise. Disease forecasts are rapidly becoming an
integral component of cherry disease management programs. Forecasting improves
disease control through more precise timing of fungicide sprays to coincide with
conditions favorable for infection. Forecasting also helps to reduce total fungicide use,
decreasing potential pesticide residues on the fruit and in the environment. Grower and
worker safety is improved and productions costs are reduced. There are currently several
automated weather stations in cherry orchards in Northwest Michigan, where more than
50 percent of Michigan cherry orchards are located. Field and weather data and leaf spot
forecasts are faxed and e-mailed to participating growers. This real-time information is
combined with daily weather forecasts provided by Michigan State University (MSU)
Extension via fax and internet. The weather forecasts are based on a National Weather
Service product tailored by an MSU agricultural meteorologist to meet the needs of the
fruit industry. Cherry growers throughout Michigan also can receive updated taped
telephone messages with current pest control information. District extension agents
maintain this service. MSU agents and specialists also conduct weekly conference calls
to facilitate the production of a weekly newsletter (Crop Advisory Team Alert) sent to
more than 600 Michigan fruit growers.
Educating cherry growers, workers, and scouts in pesticide use/risk
reduction practices and in pesticide safety.
a. Education is a key part in Michigan's pesticide certification program. All growers
must complete a minimal level of training and may also receive credits for attending
educational programs to maintain their certification to apply pesticides.
b. Grower organizations and the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension
Service sponsor cherry IPM training meetings and workshops, including a tree fruit IPM
school, statewide IPM updates, weekly local IPM sessions during the growing season,
and many other educational programs.
Establishing the Michigan IPM Alliance
Establishing the Michigan IPM Alliance to promote state-wide IPM adoption through
research and outreach and the seeking new sources of funding for IPM.
a. In 1994, the Cherry Marketing Institute took the initiative to organize what is now
called the Michigan IPM Alliance. A consortium of a dozen Michigan agriculture
commodity groups, processors, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture joined
together to help revitalize the MSU IPM Program. The IPM Alliance helped fund a statewide
IPM coordinator and a IPM program leader for fruit and vegetables at Michigan
State University. These commodity organizations have pledged a total of $70,000 per
year for three years to support these positions. The two positions have been filled, which
has greatly extended the depth of IPM programming and assistance in the state and
helped to catalyze the procurement of additional funds for IPM research/demonstration
and education. The IPM alliance is another indication of the forward thinking, which so
often typifies the leadership in the cherry industry. Today the Michigan Cherry
Committee continues to use industry dollars to support this critical position. We believe
that strong technical people in the field is the key to long term IPM implementation.
Recognizing the need for research to maintain productivity and fruit quality within
the context of efficient and integrated production.
In 1978, a group of fruit growers
from five counties formed the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation in
1978 to establish a field research station. In 1979, the Northwest Michigan Horticultural
Tart Cherry Pest Management Strategic Plan, 2000
Research Station (NWMHRS) station, funded by donations from the cherry industry,
became a field research facility operated by Michigan State University's Agricultural
Experiment Station. About three-quarters of the research projects conducted at the 100-
acre station focus on techniques for pesticide reduction. Grower education at the
NWMHRS is a priority because the station was funded with grower dollars. There is a
strong sense of ownership by the growers. Many events are hosted at this world class
cherry station and it is a showcase for the cherry industry. In the early 1990s, the
growers developed the following mission statese and Risk Reduction Strategies
|
|
Cherry Products