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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #296951
Title: Organic methods for control of insect pests and diseases of pecan and peach

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item Bock, Clive

Submitted to: eOrganic
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/2013
Publication Date: 3/21/2013
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Bock, C.H. 2013. Organic Methods for Control of Insect Pests and Diseases of Pecan and Peach. eOrganic. http://www.extension.org/pages/66504.

Interpretive Summary: A number of insect pests and diseases can cause severe damage in orchard crops such as pecan and peach. Drs. David Shapiro-Ilan and Clive Bock from the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory in Byron GA will provide information on organic solutions to control the key insect pests and diseases of pecan and peach. Based on their own research as well as others, Shapiro-Ilan and Bock will discuss organic approaches that are currently available as well as prospects for the future; some of their research results are applicable to other cropping systems as well. In reference to insect pests, Dr. Shapiro-Ilan will discuss research on the use of beneficial (environmentally friendly) nematodes for control of pecan weevil, plum curculio and peachtree borers, beneficial fungi for control of pecan weevil, enhancement of natural enemies for aphids, and use of trap crops for stink bug suppression. Dr. Bock described the use of Bordeaux mixture to control pecan scab, and various other organically acceptable methods that can be used to manage other diseases that cause damage to pecan and peach, including the use of host resistance and rootstock choice. This webinar will be recorded on January 29, 2013.

Technical Abstract: A number of insect pests and diseases can cause severe damage in orchard crops such as pecan and peach. Drs. David Shapiro-Ilan and Clive Bock from the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory in Byron GA will provide information on organic solutions to control the key insect pests and diseases of pecan and peach. Based on their own research as well as others, Shapiro-Ilan and Bock will discuss organic approaches that are currently available as well as prospects for the future; some of their research results are applicable to other cropping systems as well. In reference to insect pests, Dr. Shapiro-Ilan will discuss research on the use of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of pecan weevil (Curculio caryae), plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) and peachtree borers (Synanthedon spp), beneficial fungi for control of pecan weevil, enhancement of natural enemies for aphids and use of trap crops for stink bugs. Dr. Bock described the use of Bordeaux mixture to control pecan scab (Fusicladium effusum), and new developments with some biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis and B. mycoides). Organically acceptable methods that can be used to manage other diseases that cause damage to pecan were also discussed, including the use of host resistance. Managing peach diseases including scab (F. carpophilum), brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) and Armillaria root rot using variously sulfur, cultural approaches and rootstock choices were also discussed. This webinar will be recorded on January 29, 2013.