Reducing Organophosphate Insecticide Use in Kentucky Apple Orchards

This is an extension demonstration project. Apple growers in Kentucky have relied on relatively inexpensive, broad-spectrum, organophosphate insecticides to manage the diverse group of insect pests that attack fruit and trees. Organophosphate (OP) insecticides traditionally have been the primary class used by KY growers, but since the enactment of the FQPA in 1996, OP use has been curtailed with additional restrictions imminent. However, many new non-OP insecticides have been approved for apples as alternatives. There are several issues that limit the use of OP alternatives including cost, timing of applications, and their ability. to manage diverse pest complexes. TO be conducted in 4 orchards in 2010 and 2011 in central and western Kentucky, this project is modeled after the successful IPM demonstration program in the early 1990's that educated growers about pest scouting methods, weather monitoring, and IPM decision making. In each orchard, a block will be managed for insect pests throughout the season without the use of OP insecticides and compared to an adjacent block of apples managed using current management practices without the restrictions on OP use. An economic analysis will be conducted and a series of field days and grower meetings organized. Existing extension publications will be revised and a new extension publication will be developed to describe how to use these new materials for apple pest management.