2007-B3 Pest Management in the Organic Orchard

Pest Management in the Organic Orchard
Stephens

Successfully managing pests in the orchard is time-consuming and challenging. This workshop, led by Nick Stephens of Columbia IPM,   will provide information about the basic elements of pest management in organic orchards. Building upon a foundation of fundamental   principles, it is possible for anyone, novice or expert, to improve their Integrated Pest Management skills.  IPM is a decision-making process and this workshop will cover the essential factors that must be thoroughly understood and considered for making decisions about all pests in the  orchard. These include correct pest species identification; the biological life history of the pest organism, the use of computer      assisted insect and disease developmental models, the susceptible life stage(s) of the pest, sampling, use of pheromone traps, examination of  buds, flowers, leaves or fruit; thresholds used to determine the need for action against a pest population based on numbers of pests observed when sampling; and determining the most appropriate control material for a given situation, the cost of the material, its efficacy and its effect on non-target organisms. Learn how to utilize successful pest management strategies that include biological, cultural,        mechanical, and control methods while always considering human health, ecological impact, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.