A program to promote the adoption and implementation of economically viable integrated pest management practices and to improve environmental sustainability in Michigan apple production by reducing reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides was initiated in 1999. Over the three years the Michigan Apple IPM Implementation Project has been operating, participation has increased from 47 growers on 870 acres of commercial apple production in 1999, to 103 growers on over 8,200 acres in 2001. In selective IPM blocks, mating disruption products [Isomate® C+, Isomate® C Special, 3M® leafroller micro-encapsulated sprayable (MEC)] plus selective insecticides (i.e. tebufenozide, methoxyfenozide, spinosad, and Bacillus thuringiensis( Kurstaki) were used to control key pests, including codling moth [Cydia pomenella(L.)], obliquebanded leafroller [Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris)], and oriental fruit moth [Grapholitha molesta(Busck)]. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons, mean fruit injury for internal feeders was 0.6% in selective blocks and 1.7% in grower comparison blocks, and 2.7% for leafrollers in selective blocks vs. 3.8% in grower comparison blocks (76 orchards). The mean net costs of selective management programs that included the use of pheromone mating disruption with Isomate® C+ (21 farms), Isomate® C Special (20 farms), and 3M® leafroller MEC (16 farms) over the 1999 and 2000 seasons were $143.12, $260.08, and $196.26 per acre, respectively. Corresponding mean costs in the growers' comparison program were $147.22, $256.44, and $226.01 per acre, respectively. The mean reduction of organophosphate insecticide usage for 1999 in selective vs. comparison blocks on 21 farms was 49% (total pounds product). Organophosphate reduction in selective blocks on 38 farms in 2000 was 25% (total AI). Analysis of efficacy, economics and insecticide usage for the 2001 growing season is ongoing.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Tortricidae Choristoneura rosaceana (obliquebanded leafroller)
Species 2: Lepidoptera Tortricidae Cydia pomonella (codling moth)
Species 3: Lepidoptera Tortricidae Grapholitha molesta (oriental fruit moth)
Keywords: Apple IPM, Pheromone mating disruption
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA