Orchardist: Jeremy Smart

Situation:

The main issues focussed on are wooly apple aphid (WAA), black spot (apple scab), codling moth, and weeds. Current IPDM involves mating disruption for codling moth backed up by spraying Altacor or Insegar if necessary when monitoring indicates a potential problem, and spot spraying an early Lorsban for WAA. A small block with WAA has been “sacrificed” to allow Aphelinus mali to build up for redistribution as needed. There have been some issues with codling moth damage in blocks not being monitored, and mites have also been a problem due to the drought but only one spray was required to bring them under control.

The orchard is a family business operated by 3^rd generation orchardists. The orchard is 23 ha of apples for the domestic market

Mission:

To achieve acceptable control of pests and diseases without negative effects on beneficials.

Execution:

• Consider storing some Aphelinus mali parasitised WAA from the “sacrificed” block for release of A. mali in late spring.
• Start monitoring mites early.
• Investigate use of cumulative leaf infested days (CLIDs) instead of mites/leaf or percentage leaves infested to determine the need to spray mites

Administration:

• David Williams to supply information on CLIDs
• Jeremy, Kevin and Matt to develop a pre-plan for responding to issues that may develop
• Ask an expert facility in IPDM website is available for additional support and expertise
• David and Kevin are available for feedback

Safety:

• Experiments can be stressful, but no useful results will occur unless the participants maintain their nerve
• Stress can be reduced by setting realistic targets that stretch comfort zones without creating major financial risks
• Stress can be reduced by taking the time to seek expert advice on the problem, either in the planning phase or before the problem gets out of control, rather than making knee-jerk decisions
• Regular assessments of pest and disease populations and damage levels will allow timely changes to approach before significant damage occurs