IPM reference material strengthens grower understanding and acceptance of developing IPM technology. A comprehensive, updated reference will improve IPM practicioners technical support base. Actual changes increases in IPM utilization are attributable to many factors-increased understanding of concepts is certainly among the key elements. Additional assessments are already planned which will chronicle use patterns as new IPM tools develop and pesticide availability evolves. Activity Borer IPM Options Peach tree borers and lesser peach tree borers are pernicious tree-attacking peach pests in the Southeast.
Current practice requires use of post-harvest, handgun chlorpyrifos application.
Control is excellent and the post-harvest application window precludes fruit contamination. Mechanization will lower applicator exposure by eliminating hand applicators per sprayer. A non-commercial prototype sprayer also offers increased consistency and improved spray coverage, which may allow for pesticide rate reductions. Competitive funding has been obtained to purchase a commercial airblast sprayer to complete this research and facilitate extension demonstration of the developing technology. GPC and USDA's Southern Regional IPM Initiative are funding this project.