Tomato IPM on Farm Demonstrations

Abstract

IPM practices in tomatoes were demonstrated at three different farms this year. All three farms participated in side by side comparisons between grower practices and IPM protocols. For each farm, data on pest levels, pesticide use, and damage at harvest were collected. Each field was scouted weekly for insect and disease pests. Disease samples were brought to Cornell’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for identification. TOMCAST, a disease forecasting program, and BlightPro Decision Support System, a late blight management tool, were used when appropriate. Growers received weekly scouting reports and treatment recommendations. At the end of the season a harvest evaluation was conducted for both the grower managed portion and the IPM portion of the fields. The overall EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient)for each farm was also determined. For all three farms the growers reported that having someone scout their tomatoes was extremely helpful and that pests they were unaware of were identified and treated.