ARS | Publication request: PARTICLE FILMS AND SOFTER IPM FOR PEARS

Submitted to: Good Fruit Grower
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Particle film technology is a novel insect pest control agent for pear that can also improve fruit finish and increase pear yield. This technology was developed at USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, and is particularly suited for soft pesticide oriented IPM programs for pear. Unlike conventional insecticides, particle films are based on inert mineral particles that do not kill insects, but instead repel them from the orchard. Particle film has been integrated into several kinds of soft pesticide programs primarily for control of pear psylla: 1) Early season prebloom program, and 2) Early to mid-season program. The early to mid-season program can also control pear rust mites, codling moth, leafhoppers and obliquebanded leafroller. With these programs, particle film replaces the dormant oils and chemical pesticides used at this time. Integrating particle film into a soft IPM program has two obvious benefits: reducing chemical insecticide inputs and dconserving natural enemies. Particle film technology offers an alternativ to chemical insecticides used in pear that is safe for humans and the environment.