Pepper IPM on Farm Demonstrations
IPM practices in peppers were demonstrated at three different farms this year. For each farm, data on pest levels, pesticide use, and damage at harvest were collected. Each field was scouted weekly for any insect pests including aphids, thrips, and mites. Traps were placed to monitor for European corn borer, and samples were taken weekly of any possible diseases and brought to the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section for identification. Growers received weekly scouting reports and treatment recommendations. For all three farms the growers reported that having someone scout their peppers was extremely helpful and problems were identified much earlier than in previous years. The overall EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) was determined for each farm.