Hoppy to be here – IPM Research and Extension in New York Hops Production

Abstract

The remerging and geographically diverse hops industry in New York is being driven by a popularity of microbrews, home brewing and the buy local food movement. The farm brewery legislation recently passed in New York State has created the need for locally grown brewing materials; making hops one of the fastest growing agricultural commodities in the state. The hop varieties being planted come from the Pacific Northwest and have not been extensively tested against the insect pests found in New York State. Limited pesticide control options for insects and mites, combined with the desire of growers, brewers end market beer drinkers, to have sustainably, if not organically, produced local hops creates a need for alternative pest management practices to be developed.