Various new pest and disease forecast models are being developed and deployed via WWW-based delivery systems. Grower meetings, workshops, newsletters, demonstration plots, technical bulletins and web sites are the primary delivery strategies being employed. Some 95 to 100 percent of the growers have received IPM training, as have the 4 field representatives in Medford and the 15-20 in Hood River. Cherry growers in Oregon produce 41,800 tons of fruit from over 11,00 acres. In, Umatilla county the main focus will be on vegetables, which are grown on over 35,000 acres annually.
Bacterial canker is a special problem that kills some trees.
An important problem here is the aerial spraying every 7 to 10 days, as mandated by Oregon Department of Agriculture. The aerial applications result in considerable public protest and are a serious public image problem for the cherry industry. Delivery strategies include newsletters, grower education meetings, workshops, and on-farm visits by extension personnel as requested. Other main concern is removal of several effective pesticides as a result of 1996 FQPA implementation. Most growers and the about 8 field representatives in the region will receive IPM training.