THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED FRUIT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN MICHIGAN, USA

Chemical inputs for apple, peach and cherry production in Michigan, and in the central and eastern regions of the U.S.A. have risen steadily since the turn of the century.
Under these conditions, growers use between 1 and 8 different fungicides; and 2–10 insecticides applied at 7–10 day intervals throughout the season, depending on the crop.
Growers have typically made as high as 15 (apple) and as low as 5 (cherry) chemical spray applications in a growing season in Michigan.
In recent years growers have become more aware of integrated pest management techniques and have actually reduced the amounts and number of applications since the early 1980’s.
Research projects for peach (Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor) and apple (Clarksville Hort.
Exper.
Station) were initiated in 1990 and 1994, respectively, at two research stations in Michigan to compare the effectiveness of Conventional, Low Chemical and Moderate Chemical levels of management techniques.
Chemicals in the soil water is also being monitored in these plots.
Preliminary data for both trials will be reported in this paper.
Scientists in the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station comprise research teams from various disciplines to test new approaches in reducing chemical dependency and impact on the environment.
Additionally, a report will be given on the various programs currently underway in Michigan to reduce pesticide usage by commercial fruit producers.

International Conference on Integrated Fruit Production

R. Perry, J. Flore, M. Whalon, J. Johnson, A. Jones, G. Van Ee, C. Edson

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1996.422.12