Project Information
Note to readers, attached is the complete final report as well as the complete synopsis of the final report for FNE01-370
Orchard Hill Farm wanted to embark on a long-term, chemical-free orchard spray program to manage plum curculio. To accomplish this, they experimented with using kaolin clay and monitored its effectiveness combined with an orchard sanitation program.
Orchard Hill Farm found that using the kaolin spray was more costly for materials and in management time compared to using standard chemical controls. Part of this was because of the additional applications needed due to heavy rains. Another potential increased cost may be from additional wear and tear on the equipment that is used to apply kaolin. They would like to compare their findings with someone who is using kaolin spray in a drier climate, where they believe there would be a difference in application rate and labor costs.