Augmentation of Mite Predators on Apples and Grapes

In Oregon’s Walla Walla Valley, the pesticide treatments used to control codling moths on apples also kept mite populations at bay. But as producers have shifted to “softer chemicals” for safety and ecological reasons, the change in spray programs has upset the natural enemy mite complex, and growers are now spraying 40-80% of acreage, up from only 5% before the shift. This Professional + Producer grant will try to increase populations of mite predators to the healthy levels seen before the change in spray programs. Lyla Lampson, project coordinator, will obtain appropriate mite predators to distribute to three producers, who will then place the predators in their fields of apples as well as grapes. If augmentation releases appear promising and economically feasible, extension workshops will train producers in how and when to release predators and conduct mite counts.