Final Report for FNE93-033
Project Information
Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE93-033.
Mating disruption is very effective. One tie per tree floods the air with pheromone and I feel one treatment per season if sufficient. However, weather will play a factor in longevity of the ties. The major drawback is the cost. OFM ties were $65 per acre. Greater Peach Tree borer was $15 per acre, and the LPTB ties would be $15 per acre.
Added up that is $95 per acre. While conventional treatments for the same time would be about one half that amount. So at this time I do not feel disrupting is the best economically. I suggested to the companies to develop a multiple pest tie to possibly take care of all the major insects for a certain fruit. I do feel very positive and I think in time these things will work out. Advantages are ease and speed of handling. The ties are non-toxic and 100 can be placed in 20 minutes. I put a few on some young trees and did not spray all season and the control was perfect. This technology is very safe to the environment, so it is difficult to put a dollar value on that.
I feel the leafwetness recorder is an invaluable tool. I feel more work needs to be done to find a good seeding rate, type of seed and weather but I am encouraged that this will replace soil fumigation. While I conducted these projects, I talked to our local fruit growers group. In February 1994 I will be speaking at Hershey fruit growers convention which is the biggest show on the east. That same week I will speak at PA Organization of LISA. Finally, I will be speaking at least once at the local winter fruit growers meeting.