Pear IPM | WSU Tree Fruit | Washington State University

Historical difficulty and recent challenges with pear psylla and mites have sparked interest among growers, consultants, fruit packers, and researchers to take a closer look at the strategies we use to control these pests. Two industry-directed WSU projects focused on integrated pest management of pears began in early 2017.

Louis Nottingham is working with Betsy Beers to evaluate current and novel tactics for managing psylla and mites. Louis is researching the efficacy of insecticides and cultural methods for psylla management such as insect growth regulators, new organic products, tree washing, and plastic mulches.

Chris Strohm is working with Tianna DuPont to assess integrated pest management programs in commercial pear orchards. Chris is scouting for pests and natural enemies in orchards that use conventional, IPM, and organic spray programs. The goal of this work is to create a scorecard to assist growers and consultants with management decisions and reduce the costly spraying that has become the norm for pear psylla control.

See the table of contents below for information and results coming from these projects. Keep tuned to the news section of treefruit.wsu.edu for updates (subscribe here).

Contacts

Elizabeth Beers
Department of Entomology
Washington State University
Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: 509-663-8181 x234
email: ebeers@wsu.edu

Louis Nottingham, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Washington State University
Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center
1100 N Western Ave.,
Wenatchee, WA 98801
email: louis.nottingham@wsu.edu

Tianna DuPont
WSU Tree Fruit Extension
1100 N Western Ave.,
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: 509-663-8181 x211
email: tianna.dupont@wsu.edu