Progress 08/10/04 to 08/09/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Integrated pest management (IPM) is a multi-disciplinary approach used to manage multiple plant pests. One method to successfully integrate IPM practices into growing areas is to take established and new research findings directly into the field where effectiveness can be observed first hand. In Connecticut, nursery crop production ranks first in agricultural dollar value. Rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was the target pest. The lifecycle of this insect in container nursery was studied in the 2004-2006 growing seasons at 41 hoop houses where marked areas (250 sq. ft.) were monitored weekly for location and population level along with growing degree days from late April through September. Targeted insecticide sprays in areas with infested plants as opposed to cover sprays were evaluated for the ability to stop a major rhododendron leafminer infestation. Overall insecticide/miticide usage decreased as applications stopped infestations, damage was minimal or
negligible each year of the project, and labor costs were reduced as hand-removal of damaged leafs was not needed before spring shipping in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
PARTICIPANTS: Tim Abbey was the principal investigator for this project working with ornamental plant industries.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is growers, the nursery industry, and extension personnel.
Impacts
During the course of this project three nurseries received intensive on-site assistance with establishing an IPM program on Rhododendron. The nurseries participating Connecticut nursery growers rated the program Excellent (2) and Good (1) and they would continue to recommend the program to other Connecticut nurseries. Connecticut nursery growers have continued to make efforts to adapt IPM practices.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The life history study of the rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was extended into 2005 at a model container nursery. Forty-one hoop houses were selected in the nursery. Areas (approximately 250 sq.ft.) were marked with flagging tape at both ends and the middle of each house. The Rhododendron sp. in these areas were monitored on a weekly basis from late April through September. Infested leaves were counted and removed each week. The routine monitoring documented the date and location that this pest first appeared in the nursery, along with the corresponding growing degree days. Insecticide applications were applied to target-specific insect life stages and areas of rhododendrons rather than cover sprays to entire blocks of plants. The hypothesis that early detection and targeted insecticide treatments will stop a major rhododendron leafminer infestation, and thus, decrease overall insecticide applications, appears to be accurate. There was minimal damage
at the end of the 2005 growing season, but more than at the end of 2004. To finalize the project, a more focused monitoring of select areas, along with observations of infested plants in an enclosed cage; will continue in 2006. There was negligible damage from this pest in 2006. Connecticut nursery growers have continued to make efforts to adopt IPM practices. Measureable impacts for the 2005 growing season can be found in the Expected Impact section.
Impacts
During the 2005 field season, three nurseries received intensive on-site assistance with establishment of IPM programs. Pesticide usage records from the cooperative year, in this case 2005, are compared to the year designated as pre-IPM adoption. Overall, insecticide/miticide usage decreased by 4.4 pounds of product. Total active ingredient applied decreased by 6.2 pounds. This translated into a decrease of $57 for insecticide products. (Product and active ingredient results calculated from two grower participants, cost information was from one.) Along with the detailed analysis of the pesticide spray records, participants were asked to complete a post-season questionnaire that allows them to review their collaboration with Mr. Abbey. The Nursery IPM program was rated as "Excellent" (2) and "Good" (1). All of the participants stated that they would recommend the program to other Connecticut nurseries. Connecticut nursery growers who have tried IPM and had success
should continue the management practices into the future.
Publications
- Welch, K. & T. Abbey. 2006. Pesticide Guide Towards Integrated Pest Management for Connecticut Arborists. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. 425 pages.
- Welch, K. & T. Abbey. 2006. Pesticide Guide Towards Integrated Pest Management for Connecticut Nurseries. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. 394 pages.
- Welch, K. & T. Abbey. 2006. Pesticide Guide Towards Integrated Pest Management for Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. 62 pages.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
During the 2005 growing season, a life history study of the rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) continued at a model container nursery. Forty-one hoop houses were selected in the nursery. Areas (approximately 250 sq.ft.) were marked with flagging tape at both ends and the middle of each house. The Rhododendron sp. in these areas were monitored on a weekly basis from late April through September. Routine monitoring documented the date, location and population level of the pest in the designated areas of the nursery. Insecticide applications targeted specific areas of infected rhododendrons rather than cover sprays to entire blocks of plants. The hypothesis was that early detection and targeted insecticide treatments would stop a major rhododendron leafminer infestation, and thus, decrease overall insecticide applications. There was more noticeable plant damage at the end of the 2005 growing season compared to 2004. However, no plants will require
hand-removal of damaged leaves before spring 2006 shipping. The final analysis of the scouting data has not been completed. Also, an economic assessment will be conducted and compared to the first year of the project. Most copies of the Alternatives for Invasive Ornamental Plant Species publication have been distributed. A survey was developed to document if there have been increased sales of the native plants listed in the publication. Ninety-two surveys were mailed and forty-four were returned. Respondents have seen a very slight increase in sales of native plants. Only one had seen someone using the native plant brochure to help with plant selection. The goal of this publication is still to increase awareness of these plants. Thus, increasing demand so that nursery growers can increase production accordingly.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by commercial nurseries can protect plants and be cost effective compared to conventional pesticide usage. The use of IPM practices will reduce amounts of pesticide used. This will lead to less contamination of the environment and less human exposure to pesticides, thereby reducing health risks. The use of non-invasive, native ornamentals can protect ecosystems. Promotion of underused, native plants should lead to increased demand for them and, thus, continued successful nursery production.
Publications
- Abbey, T and T. Rathier. 2005. Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biostimulants and Water Absorbing Polymers on the Growth and Survival of Four Landscape Plant Species. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 23(2):108-111.
- Abbey, T. 2005. Invasive Plants in the Connecticut Landscape. Connecticut Horticultural Society Newsletter, 48(8). p. 1, 4.
- Abbey, T. 2005. Native Plant Species in Connecticut. Connecticut Horticultural Society Newsletter, 48(8). p. 4, 5.
- Abbey, T. 2005. Tree Health Care: Insects, Disease and Stress. In: Greening Connecticuts Cities and Towns: Managing Public Trees and Community Forestry, R.M. Ricard & G.D. Dreyer, eds. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. pp. 265.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
During the 2004 growing season, a life history study of the rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) began at a model container nursery. Forty-one hoop houses were selected in the nursery. Areas (approximately 250 sq.ft.) were marked with flagging tape at both ends and the middle of each house. The Rhododendron sp. in these areas were monitored on a weekly basis from late April through September. Routine monitoring documented the date, location and population level of the pest in the designated areas of the nursery. Insecticide applications targeted specific areas of infected rhododendrons rather than cover sprays to entire blocks of plants. The hypothesis was that early detection and targeted insecticide treatments would stop a major rhododendron leafminer infestation, and thus, decrease overall insecticide applications. At the end of the growing season, the rhododendron crop had negligible damage from this pest. No plants will require hand-removal of damaged
leaves before spring 2005 shipping. The final analysis of the scouting data has not been completed. Also, an economic assessment will be conducted and compared to a similar project conducted in 1999 and 2000. The publication Native Alternatives to Invasive Ornamental Plant Species was edited, renamed Alternatives for Invasive Ornamental Plant Species and reprinted. A survey will be developed to document if there have been increased sales of the native plants listed in the Alternatives for Invasive Ornamental Plant Species publication. During winter and spring 2005, retail garden centers will be selected and interviewed in person, using the survey for data collection, to determine exact sales figures on the invasive and alternative plants mentioned in the brochure. This information would be provided to the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association to distribute to all members. This would provide growers and retailers with information on what, if any, native species have seen an
increase in sales. Thus, nursery growers could increase production accordingly.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by commercial nurseries can protect plants and be cost effective compared to conventional pesticide usage. The use of IPM practices will reduce amounts of pesticide used. This will lead to less contamination of the environment and less human exposure to pesticides, thereby reducing health risks. The use of non-invasive, native ornamentals can protect ecosystems. Promotion of underused, native plants should lead to incresed demand for them and, thus, increased nursery production.
Publications
- Abbey, T. (ed.) 2004. Alternatives for Invasive Ornamental Plant Species. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. New Haven, CT. 14 pages.
- Welch, K. and T. Abbey. 2004. Pesticide Guide Towards Integrated Pest Management for Connecticut Arborists 2004. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. New Haven, CT. 409 pages.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
An economic analysis has been completed for two model nurseries. Rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was the target pest. IPM practices adopted were early plant monitoring and use of specific insecticides for the active pest life stage. The first nursery increased rhododendron production by 153,455 2gal equivalent units from 1998 to 1999. Overall pesticide costs increased per acre. However, no labor was needed to remove leafminer damage, a $15,360 savings. Also, greater production led to a $360 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 7 cents ($77,000 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents ($17,600 reduction). The second nursery increased rhododendron production by 36,598 2gal equivalent units from 1999 to 2000. The increased production led to a $416 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 2 cents ($8,220 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents($6,576 reduction). An
experiment to assess the effect of mycorrhizal fungi and biostimulants on the survival and growth of four species of ornamental plants entered its third and final year. Treatment plots consisted of one each of Ilex crenata 'Green Luster', Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green', Spirea japonica 'Shibori', Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' or 'Redspire'. Plants were container grown. Experimental treatments consisted of: planting gel (1.5oz for trees, .5oz for others); Bio/Organics mycorrhizae (2 teaspoons for trees, 1 for others); Plant Saver (has no gel) (3 scoops for trees, 1 scoop for others, 4oz/scoop); Greenburst biostimulant as a preplant rootball dip (1 teaspoon/gallon); TreeSaver (combination of fungi-gel-biostimulant) (1 packet for trees, 2/3 packet for others, 1 packet=3oz); M-Roots (3 cups for trees, 1 for others, 2 cups=1 pound); untreated, mulched; and untreated, no mulch. Treatments 1 through 6 also received pine bark mulch. All treatment applications were made at planting.
Also, all treatments received minimal irrigation, fertilization and mulch as necessary. The four replications were planted 2001. Evaluations of plant height and width were taken in August 2001, May and August 2002, and May 2003. Plants were harvested in September 2003. Final treatment evaluations consist of height, canopy width, root width and dry root weight. A brochure that provides information on non-invasive; native ornamental plants was printed in November 2002 (12,000 copies). All of the copies have been distributed to the general public, gardening clubs and educators in Connecticut and other New England states.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by commercial nurseries can protect plants and be cost effective compared to conventional pesticide usage. The use of non-invasive, native ornamentals can protect ecosystems. The use of mycorrhizae and biostimulant products at the time of planting may increase the chance of survival for ornamental trees and shrubs. The use of IPM practices will reduce amounts of pesticide used. This will lead to less contamination of the environment and less human exposure to pesticides, thereby reducing health risks.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
An economic analysis has been completed for two model nurseries. Rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was the target pest. IPM practices adopted were early plant monitoring and use of specific insecticides for the active pest life stage. The first nursery increased rhododendron production by 154,455 2gal equivalent units from 1998 to 1999. Overall pesticide costs increased per acre. However, no labor was needed to remove leafminer damage, a $15,360 savings. Also, greater production led to a $360 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 7 cents ($77,000 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents ($17,600 reduction). The second nursery increased rhododendron production by 36,598 2gal equivalent units from 1999 to 2000. The increased production led to a $416 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 2 cents ($8,220 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents ($6,576 reduction). An
experiment to assess the effect of mycorrhizal fungi and biostimulants on the survival and growth of four species of ornamental plants entered its second year. Treatment plots consist of one each of Ilex crenata 'Green Luster', Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green', Spirea japonica 'Shibori', Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' or 'Redspire'. Plants were container grown. Experimental treatments consisted of: planting gel (1.5 oz for trees, .5 oz for others); Bio/Organics mycorrhizae (2 teaspoons for trees, 1 for others); Plant Saver (has no gel) (3 scoops for trees, 1 scoop for others, 4 ounces/scoop); Greenburst biostimulant as a preplant rootball dip (1 teaspoon/gallon); TreeSaver (Combination of fungi-gel-biostimulant) (1 packet for trees, 2/3 packet for others, 1 packet = 3 ounces); M-Roots (3 cups for trees, 1 for others, 2 cups = 1 pound); untreated, mulched; and untreated, no mulch. Treatments 1 through 6 also received pine bark mulch. All treatment applications were made at
planting. Also, all treatments received minimal irrigation, fertilization and mulch as necessary. The four replications were planted in June 2001. Evaluations of plant height and width were taken in August 2001, May and August 2002. Final treatment evaluations will consist of height, stem diameter, root measurements, and a visual rating. A brochure that provides information on non-invasive, native ornamental plants has been completed and will be distributed to the general public, gardening groups and educators in Connecticut and New England.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management practices by commercial nurseries can protect plants and be cost effective compared to conventional pesticide usage. The use of non-invasive, native ornamentals can protect ecosystems. The use of mycorrhizae and biostimulant products at the time of planting may increase the chance of survival for ornamental trees and shrubs.
Publications
- Abbey, T.M. 2002. Native Alternatives for Invasive Ornamental Plant Species. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. New Haven, CT. 14pp.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
An economic analysis has been completed for one model nursery. Rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was the target pest. IPM practices adopted were early plant monitoring and use of specific insecticides for the active pest stage. The nursery increased rhododendron production by 154,455 2gal equivalent units from 1998 to 1999. Pesticide costs increased per acre. However, no labor was needed to remove leafminer damage, a $15,360 savings. Also, greater production led to a $360 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 7 cents ($77,000 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents ($17,600 reduction). Economic data for a second nursery has been compiled, but has not been analyzed at this time. The photo guide to promote non-invasive native ornamental plants has begun. Nursery growers and horticulture specialists have been consulted to select the potential native plants that would be suitable to use in place of invasive
ornamental plants. A master list with 63 species has been sent to individuals in Connecticut for final plant selection. The process of plant photo collection and selection has also begun with a target date of early 2002 for the guide's publication. The experiment to assess the effect of mycorrhizal fungi and biostimulants on the survival and growth of four species of ornamental plants has begun. Treatment plots consisted of one each of Ilex crenata 'Green Luster', Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green', Spirea japonica 'Shibori', Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' and 'Redspire'. Plants were container grown. Experimental treatments consisted of: planting gel (1.5 oz for trees, .5 oz for others); Bio/Organics mycorrhizae (2 teaspoons for trees, 1 for others); Plant Saver (has no gel) (3 scoops for trees, 1 scoop for others, 4 ounces/scoop); Greenburst biostimulant as a preplant rootball dip (1 teaspoon/gallon); TreeSaver (Combination of fungi-gel-biostimulant) (1 packet for trees, 2/3
packet for others, 1 packet = 3 ounces); M-Roots (3 cups for trees, 1 for others, 2 cups = 1 pound); untreated, mulched; and untreated, no mulch. Treatments 1 through 6 also received pine bark mulch. All treatment applications were made at planting. Also, all treatments will receive minimal irrigation, fertilization, and mulch as necessary. Four replications were planted in June 2001. An initial evaluation of plant height and width was taken in August 2001. Final treatment evaluations will consist of height, stem diameter, root measurements, and a visual rating.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management practices by commercial nurseries can protect plants and be cost effective compared to convential pesticides usage. The use of non-invasive, native ornamental plants can protect ecosystems. The use of mycorrhizae and biostimulant products at the time of planting can increase the chance of survival for ornamental trees and shrubs.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The economic analysis was completed for the model nursery. Rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella) was the target pest. IPM practices adopted were early plant monitoring and use of specific insecticides for the active pest stage. The nursery increased rhododendron production by 154,455 2gal equivalent units from 1998 to 1999. Pesticide costs increased per acre. However, no labor was needed to remove leafminer damage, a $15,360 savings. Also, greater production led to a $360 increase in net returns/acre. On a per unit basis, the total cost fell 7 cents ($77,000 reduction) and the insecticide cost dropped 16 cents ($17,600 reduction). Two miticide trials were conducted on herbaceous perennials. Lamium maculatum and Primula vulgaris infested with twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) were grown in 1qt pots. The seven treatments were: Floramite WP (2oz/100gal); Floramite WP (4oz/100gal); Floramite 2L (2floz/100gal); Floramite 2L (4floz/100gal); Floramite
2L (16floz/100gal); Avid (4floz/100gal); and untreated. The sticker-spreader Nu-Film-P was used with the miticides. Samples were taken at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment (DAT). Live mites and eggs were counted. At 7 DAT, Floramite WP 4oz and Floramite 2L 16oz were significantly different from the check. At 14 DAT, Floramite 2L 2oz had the worst control. At 21 and 28 DAT, no treatments were different. No phytotoxicity was observed. The Primula test used the same treatments. Samples were taken at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 DAT. Floramite 2L 16oz provided the best control on all dates. No phytotoxicity was observed. Two experiments evaluated non-chemical weed control. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) were grown in 2gal pots at a nursery and CAES. Treatments included: copper-treated fabric discs (Geodiscs); cocoa hull mulch; pine bark mulch; corn gluten meal; granular herbicide (oxyfluorfen plus pendimethalin); sprayable herbicide (isoxaben plus
oryzalin); and a check. Herbicides were applied three times each year. Treatment evaluations consisted of weed counts, weights, percent weed cover and plant vigor rating. Geodiscs were comparable or superior to herbicides. Cocoa hulls, corn gluten meal and pine bark provided unacceptable control. Vigor ratings for non-chemical treatments were excellent. Herbicides caused phytotoxicity to the azaleas and hollies. A second experiment used herbaceous perennials in 1gal pots. Test plants at CAES: Coreopsis, Phlox, daylily (Hemerocallis) and blue fescue (Festuca). At the nursery: coneflower (Echinacea), bee balm (Monarda), Phlox and fountain grass (Pennisetum). Treatments were: pine bark mulch; cocoa hull mulch; paper fiber pellets (PennMulch); wool pellets (WulPak); pendimethalin granules; pendimethalin granules plus PennMulch; pendimethalin granules plus WulPak; and untreated. Pendimethalin injured Phlox at CAES, but not the nursery. Plants with cocoa hulls or PennMulch were most
vigorous. The least effective treatments at the nursery were WulPak plus pendimethalin and PennMulch plus pendimethalin. At CAES, the check and pendimethalin alone had the most weeds.
Impacts
Adoption of integrated pest management practices is cost effective compared to conventional pesticides at a commercial nursery. Miticides proved effective and safe to use on herbacious perennials. Non-chemical weed control alternatives are effective and can replace chemical herbicide applications.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
This project has three components: 1) economic analysis of IPM practices; 2) chemical and biological control of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in herbaceous perennial production; and 3) effectiveness and cost/benefit analysis of non-chemical weed control. A model nursery was selected for the analysis of the economic impact of IPM adoption. The focus was on the pest, the rhododendron leafminer (Lyonetia latistrigella), which feeds on all Rhododendron spp and was previously a serious problem at the nursery. The IPM changes used during this field season were increased plant monitoring (particularly earlier in the growing season) and the use of specific insecticides to target the adults or the immature leafminers. Currently, all of the nursery expenses for last year and the current year have not been collected. However, one positive impact has been documented. During the past winter, $15,360 was spent on labor for hand-removal of damaged leaves. After the
increased use of IPM, there will be no such expense this winter. Two miticide experiments for control of twospotted spider mites were conducted on the herbaceous perennials Hemerocallis Catherine Woodbury and Salvia x superba May Night. The treatments included: abamectin (Avid; 4 fluid ounces/100 gallons); Beauvaria bassiana (Naturalis-O, 100 fluid ounces/100 gallons); hexythiazox (Hexygon, 2 ounces/100 gallons); insecticidal soap (2 gallons/100 gallons); SunSpray Ultrafine Horticultural Spray Oil (2 gallons/100 gallons); Avid + oil (4 fluid ounces + 2 gallons/100 gallons); and an untreated check. The miticides provided various levels of control 3 weeks after treatment (WAT) on the Hemerocallis. None of the treatments provided acceptable control on the Salvia. Herbaceous perennials were used as the test plants to evaluate the miticides for phytotoxicity. None of the treatments on either plant species caused any phytotoxic reaction (i.e., severe and unusual discoloration and/or
distortion to the leaves). Finally, the experiment to evaluate non-chemical weed control treatments continued in the second of three growing seasons. The test plants are an evergreen azalea (Rhododendron Girard's Pleasant White) and the deciduous plant winter berry holly (Ilex verticillata Winter Red). The following treatments are under consideration: untreated check; sprayable herbicide [isoxaben (0.75 lb/A) + oryzalin (2 lb/A)]; granular herbicide [Ornamental Herbicide 2 (2 lb/A oxyfluorfen + 1 lb/A pendimethalin)]; fabric disc with copper-coated underside (Geodisc); pine bark mulch (3/4 inch layer); cocoa hull mulch (3/4 inch layer); and corn gluten meal (650 lb/A, 3.0 g per container). At 6 WAT, treatments provide the following weed control: sprayable herbicide (44%); granular herbicide (77%), fabric disc (83%), cocoa hull (16%); pine bark (23%); and corn gluten meal (12%). At 13 WAT, the following weed control ratings were taken: sprayable herbicide (0%); granular herbicide
(76%), fabric disc (89%); cocoa hull (39%); pine bark (4%); and corn gluten meal (62%). Since two seasons of treatment efficacy have been collected, the focus for next year is to conduct the cost-benefit analysis for the project.
Impacts
Early indications show that adoption of integrated pest management strategies is cost effective compared to conventional pesticide programs. The six miticides tested caused no harmful effect to the two species of herbaceous perennial flowers. Thus, perennial growers can produce an aesthetically pleasing plant and control their mite pests. The non-chemical weed management experiment shows that fabric discs can provide an effective alternative to chemical herbicides. Use of fabric discs instead of chemical herbicides reduces the chance of water contamination through leaching or runoff.
Publications
- Mervosh, T. & T. Abbey. 1999. Evaluation of Fabric Discs, Mulches and Herbicides for Preventing Weeds in Containers. In: Proceedings of the Northeastern Weed Science Society, Vol.53. 1/4-7/99. Cambridge, MA.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a multi-disciplinary approach used to manage multiple plant pests (i.e. diseases, insects and weeds). Since successful IPM adoption is dependent on assimilation of a vast amount of information, the change from standard pest management practices, such as calendar-based sprays, can be difficult. One method to confront this barrier is to take both established and new research findings directly into the growing areas where farmers can see their effectiveness firsthand. In Connecticut, nursery crop production ranks first in terms of agricultural dollar value. The prominence of this industry in Connecticut and other states, coupled with the extremely low tolerance for plant damage in ornamental plant production, provides the opportunity to explore various aspects of IPM. This Hatch project has three components: 1) economic analysis of IPM practices; 2) chemical and biological control of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in
herbaceous perennial production; and 3) effectiveness and cost/benefit analysis of non-chemical weed control. The economic analysis of nurseries implementing IPM practices is in the preliminary stages. A literature review and contact with the cooperating agricultural economist has been completed. The test-case nurseries, and overall scope of this project, are being developed. The twospotted spider mite research will commence in the summer of 1999. Finally, the weed control experiment has completed its first field season. The purpose of this study is to see if non-chemical weed control methods are effective and comparable in price to standard chemical herbicide applications in container nursery production. The following treatments are under consideration: untreated check; sprayable herbicide [isoxaben (0.75 lb/A) + oryzalin (2 lb/A)]; granular herbicide [Ornamental Herbicide 2 (2 lb/A oxyfluorfen + 1 lb/A pendimethalin)]; fabric disc with copper-coated underside (Geodisc); pine bark
mulch (3/4 inch layer); cocoa hull mulch (3/4 inch layer); and corn gluten meal (650 lb/A, 3.0 g per container). The last treatment will be replaced with recycled paper pellets in 1999. The test plants are an evergreen azalea (Rhododendron Girards Pleasant White) and the deciduous plant winter berry holly (Ilex verticillata Winter Red). Weed control evaluations were conducted at 6 and 13 weeks after treatment (WAT). At 6 WAT, treatments provide the following control of common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.): sprayable herbicide (>99%); granular herbicide (85%), fabric disc (96%), cocoa hull (57%); pine bark (35%); and corn gluten meal (0%). At 13 WAT, the following weed control ratings were taken: sprayable herbicide (70%); granular herbicide (38%), fabric disc (67%); cocoa hull (51%); pine bark (57%); and corn gluten meal (32%). The goal is to evaluate costs over a 3 year period based on the reported length of effective control provided by the fabric discs.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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