Increasing Utilization of Integrated Pest Management Tools in the NYS Christmas Tree Industry

Abstract

The approximately 700 NYS Christmas tree growers would benefit from implementing more Integrated Pest Management practices in a sustainable production system on their farms. The objective of this project is to assist them in increasing their use of IPM tools by demonstrating those practices on 9 Christmas tree farms. Working with growers and Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators, we will identify those pest management practices beneficial to each farm, trial them on-farm, and work with the farmers to determine which can be successfully implemented. In order to reach a broader audience, the IPM tools will be demonstrated through on-farm Open Houses with the growers and Educators available for discussion. Data and experiences from this project will be used to create an education plan for continued increase in use of IPM tools on NYS Christmas tree farms.