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In the News
January 22, 2007 Plum good guidance for prune growersIn the newly released University of California (UC) Seasonal Guide to Environmentally Responsible Pest Management Practices in Prunes, growers can find guidance on some of prunes’ major pests such as aphids and peach twig borer.
The guide contains this and other valuable information to help prune growers protect their crops and avoid unnecessary insecticide spraying. The seasonal guide outlines activities that need to be carried out based on the crop growth stage. Also included are lists of environmentally friendly insecticides and broad-spectrum pesticides that pose risks to wildlife and the environment. Authored by UC Statewide IPM Program Advisor Carolyn Pickel, and UCCE Farm Advisors Bill Olson, Richard Buchner, Bill Krueger, Franz Niederholzer, and Maxwell Norton, the guide is based on research results from the University of California and the Integrated Prune Farming Practices project. The California Dried Plum Board administers the IPFP program, organized in 1998, and is a partnership involving the board, Department of Pesticide Regulation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Nature Conservancy, farm advisors, pest control advisors, and dried plum growers. “The guide does an excellent job of summarizing the IPM techniques that have been developed using University of California research,” says Richard Peterson, executive director of the California Dried Plum Board. “These proven techniques have led to the California prune industry being recognized by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation as an IPM Innovator for its leadership and creativity in advancing the use of reduced-risk programs. We’ve mailed this valuable guide to all growers and packers in the industry to make them aware of the latest environmentally friendly pest management practices.” A detailed, year-round IPM program and annual checklists for prunes that complement the seasonal guide can be found on the UC IPM Web site linked to the UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines for Prunes. The year-round IPM programs include downloadable monitoring protocols, record-keeping forms and treatment suggestions. Also included are printable color photo identification sheets, biology, monitoring and management methods, and pest identification tips. Find these free tools at ipm.ucanr.edu/ The Seasonal Guide to Environmentally Responsible Pest Management Practices in Prunes, UC ANR Publication 21624, is available from the University of California for $7. Call 1-800-994-8849 or order online. Quantity and reseller discounts are available. ResourcesHigh-resolution image (656KB) "Adult peach twig borer." Photo credit: Courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Program, by Jack Kelly Clark. Photos are for use with this release only. All other uses see Legal Notices. Pest Management Guidelines for Prunes Year-Round IPM Program for Prunes ContactStephanie Klunk, Communications Specialist |
