Advancing IPM for Midwest apple production using the Pesticide Risk Mitigation Engine (ipmPRiME.com)

Apple production for wholesale markets in the Midwest requires skilled management of multiple insect pests, diseases and weeds. Pesticides used present risks that must be carefully addressed.  A network of apple producers in the Upper Mississippi River Basin began implementing advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in 2011 and coupled this with an eco-label to communicate their use of IPM and other best practices.  Participating growers document performance with an annual self-assessment, submit pesticide and monitoring records for review, and undergo an on-site inspection every three years.  The Pesticide Risk Mitigation Engine (ipmPRiME.com), a web application, has been used to track changes in pesticide risk from 2011 to 2015.  IpmPRiME.com is designed to help farmers reduce risk by identifying high risks and lesser risk options.  IpmPRiME.com estimates risk to workers, consumers, birds, small mammals, earthworms, pollinators and aquatic ecosystems.  This poster will highlight how a verification program for IPM and ipmprime.com are being used to track changes in pesticide risk as growers adopt advanced IPM strategies for tree fruit production.