Assessing Eastern U.S. Tree Fruit Growers’ Pest Issues, Practices, and Preferences to Inform Effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Communication

Authors: LAMM, ALEXA - University Of Georgia; AJIFERUKE, OLUWAFNMILAYO - University Of Georgia; BYRD, ALLISON - University Of Georgia; BLAAUW, BRETT - University Of Georgia; LEE, CHIN LING - University Of Georgia; RIVERA, MONIQUE - Cornell University; SCHOOF, STEVE - North Carolina State University; WALGENBACH, JIM - North Carolina State University; NIELSEN, ANNE - Rutgers University; WILSON, JULIANNA - Michigan State University; GUEDOT, CHRISTELLE - University Of Wisconsin; DIGIACOMO, GIGI - University Of Minnesota; PINERO, JAIME - University Of Massachusetts; BIDDINGER, DAVE - Pennsylvania State University; KRAWCZYK, GREG - Pennsylvania State University; Leskey, Tracy

Submitted to: Journal of Integrated Pest Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Apple and peach growers in the Eastern US face significant pest management challenges on their farms. While growers try to use sustainable management strategies on their farms, there are often barriers to their adoption. Using a series of listening sessions with Eastern tree fruit growers, we confirmed their most serious pest challenges, as well as sustainable strategies they were already using and those they were interested in trialing. They also expressed how they would like to learn about new or enhanced sustainable management tactics. These findings will be used by Extension specialists, researchers and crop consultants to not only address the greatest needs of Eastern tree fruit growers, but also how best to communicate potential sustainable strategies they can use to mitigate their pest problems.

Technical Abstract: Apple and peach tree growers in the eastern United States (U.S.) face unique pest management challenges. Pest problems resulting from changing weather patterns and the introduction of invasive species can be managed through integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to maintain fruit quality and yield. However, adoption of IPM has been inconsistent amongst eastern U.S. tree fruit growers with many using both chemical and biological approaches to pest management. The purpose of this study was to identify evolving pest problems among eastern U.S. tree fruit growers, document the IPM strategies the growers are currently using, and develop a communication plan for introducing new or improved IPM strategies to encourage adoption. Using a qualitative research design, seven focus groups were conducted with 82 growers across the Eastern U.S. where participants were asked to discuss the topics of interest. Results indicated the participants had numerous pest challenges which were dependent on their location and the fruit they grow. Participants reported challenges with insecticide resistance, cross-regional pest pressure, and difficulty managing both native and invasive species. They felt these challenges threaten production and economic viability and make integration of IPM tactics challenging. Moreover, research on existing tactics such as alternative management strategies, mating disruption, monitoring traps, thresholds, and entomopathogenic fungi is needed. Participants expressed research findings should be disseminated through diverse communication channels including e-mail newsletters, YouTube videos, blogs, podcasts, and at conferences. Participants felt future IPM research should prioritize refining and validating pest management models, so they are more accurate and adaptable across orchard systems in the eastern U.S. Recommendations include increased collaboration amongst researchers, extension specialists, crop consultants, and growers in the eastern U.S. to address adoption of effective IPM practices.