Efficacy trials of OMRI approved materials on vegetable crops

This trial included various OMRI approved products for efficiacy on several crops. Products evaluated include Surround (kaolin), Ecozin (neem), Neemix (neem), Hot Pepper Wax (capsaicin), rotenone, Plantshield (Trichoderma harzianum) and Trilogy (neem). A Seaman ajs32@cornell.edu 315-787-2422

Biological Control of Worm Pests with Trichogramma ostriniae

T. ostriniae is a promising biocontrol agent that parasitizes many pests. In this study, conducted on several farms, a single early-season release of T ostriniae reduced damage from european corn borer (ECB) by 50%. T ostriniae does not overwinter in NYS. C. Smart cds14@cornell.edu 315-787-2441

Zea-Later and Entrust for control of ear-infesting insects in Sweet Corn

Using the Zea-Later, Entrust 80W was used at 1 oe 2 oz/ac with or without 2% Ultra-Fine Oil on sweet corn. All reatments provided good control with no apparent difference between rates of Entrust. A second treatment 5 days after the first might be beneficial to control later infestations. M McGrath mtm3@cornell.edu 631-727-3595

Biopesticides for Vegetable pest control

Intend to determine the efficacy of plant-growth-promoting bacteria for insect and disease control in solananceous and cruvifer crops. By identifying when these genes are turned on, we hope to enhance utility of Systemic Aquired Resistance. C. Smart cds14@cornell.edu 315-787-2441

Sprayable Non-Woven Barriers

Using a sprayable non-woven fiber applied to large-seeded germinating crops protected them from herbivory during germination. Small-seeded crops had reduced stand unless planted in a furrow below the fibers. Potted yews were not protected from deer browsing by the barrier whether or not in included sand abrasive. Bird damage on blueberries was not reduced. Colored fibers performed less well than white. J Gardner jg48@cornell.edu 607-255-3032

Mechanical Control of Flea Beetles in Small Scale Organic Farming

This study revisited the ideas of sticky traps or vacuums as control methods for flea beetle in on-farm trials. Sticky traps were either tractor-drawn or carried by hand. Vacuum was a simple Stihl battery-powered vacuum, which captured more beetles than either sticky trap method, but in both treatments, beetle damage was not significantly reduced. J Gardner jg48@cornell.edu (607)255-3032

Selection of Vegetables for Intercropping as a Pest Management Strategy

We evaluated a method for the selection of vegetable crops suitable for intercropping and organically-compatible pest management under NY conditions. The results showed that intercropping per se increased beneficial insect diversity. Abundance of pest insects was determined largely by certain crops, e.g. broccoli, which attracted large numbers of crucifer flea beetles. Simply diversifying plots resulted in improved natural enemy complexes. M Hoffman and M Wright mph3@cornell.edu 607-255-2552

Assessment of swallows and bats as biocontrol agents in farm fields

This project assembled a team of researchers to assess the potential of bats and swallows to consume sufficient numbers of agriculturally important insects for them to be used as biological control agents in NY organic agriculture. Results showed limited predation on ag pests, but potential for encouraging their presence. D Winkler dww4@cornell.edu 607-254-4216

Slug deterrence and beneficial nematode encouragement methods

Studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility excluding slugs from crops by using copperized fabric barrier. Results showed that slug numbers in protected areas were reduced when compared to areas not protected by the barrier, but that the reduction was transitory. We also evaluated the potential for prolonging survival and infectivity of foliar applied entomopathogenic nematodes. Protection with foam improved nematode survival within plant canopies, but total number of live nematodes recovered was less than from controls. J Gardner jg48@cornell.edu (607)255-3032