IPM Hour - Predator Releases in Organic Apples - Dec 2023

This edition of The IPM Hour feature USDA Agriculture Research Service scientist Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris with a presentation titled “Can Predator Releases Improve Pest Control in Organic Apples?“ Description: Several pests in Washington organic apples are difficult to control with available chemical options. Growers have been experimenting with releasing natural enemies purchased from commercial insectaries to control pests like aphids and mealybugs. However, there are no research-based best-practice recommendations for conducting releases in orchards. This presentation will provide an overview of research trials that evaluated releases of lacewings, mealybug destroyers and minute pirate bugs in 2020 to 2023, including releases by drone. In general, lacewings show the most promise for controlling organic apple pests, but multi-site trials are needed to determine the causes of variability in success. Future research directions, including the potential of other natural enemies, will be discussed.