Supporting Grape IPM Implementation in Ohio Vineyards Using the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA)

View the project final report

Commodities

• Fruits: grapes

Practices

• Pest Management: integrated pest management, weather monitoring

The Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) is an on-line tool that uses weather stations and pest forecast models to foster Integrated Pest Management implementation (IPM) and environmental stewardship. Until recently, NEWA was unavailable in Ohio.  Four Ohio growers are committed to utilizing weather stations, connecting to NEWA, and promoting IPM implementation in their region. In this Partnership project the cooperating growers will learn to use NEWA, source weather data using a RainWise weather station, and synthesize pest forecast information into responsible spray decisions. Growers will validate the NEWA forecast models by comparing pest damage between plots managed with and without NEWA. The project will be evaluated through grower feedback, disease incidence and severity assessments, spray and trap data, and yield evaluations. Outreach will target other grape growers in the region who will benefit from NEWA availability in Ohio.  Project results and impacts will be delivered through newsletters, meetings and field days.  Because NEWA is new to Ohio and most grape growers do not integrate weather stations or pest forecast models into their IPM programs, the potential impact of this study is substantial.

1. Validate grape disease and grape berry moth forecasting models in Ohio through
2. Estimate the economic benefits of using forecasting models to inform decisions and timing of pesticide applications.
3. Educate collaborating grape growers about NEWA and pest forecast
4. Inform other Ohio grape growers about the availability of grape pest forecast models via