Development and implementation of IPM programs on fruits and vegetables in Western North Carolina. Emphasis is placed on pests of apples, staked tomatoes and cabbage. The objective is to expand the use of new pest control technology and enhance the pest control decision-making process by growers through the use of traditional extension publications, electronic information transfer technology, grower meetings and a series of on-farm tests and demonstrations. Also serve as a source of information and services for the non-agricultural residents of Western North Carolina.

Specific research problems being investigated on vegetables include population dynamics of thrips and epidemiology of TSWV, and effects of sustainable agricultural practices (i.e. cover crops, ground covers, etc.) on pest and beneficial insects in vegetable systems. On apple, research is directed to studying alternative management strategies for tortricid pests, including pheromone-mediated mating disruption and insect growth regulators, and evaulation of reduced-risk pest management programs.

Publications