Grant ID Number: ONE10-118
Grant Recipient: Peter Jentsch, Cornell University, Highland NY
Pear psylla and Fabraea leaf spot cause defoliation, reduced fruit size, premature decline, and reduced fruit size in pears, and synthetic insecticide resistance is also an issue. Recent studies indicate goos control of pear psylla using a kaolin-based product (Surround WP) and a highly refined horticultural oil, both newly-developed OMRI products. The project manager will test the use of oils to augment commercial pest management tools and cultural techniques, and will also evaluate sprayer nozzles and sprayer calibration as a way to optimize kaolin-spray effectiveness. Outreach will be through web-based videos, written production protocols, winter fruit schools, and field meetings.
