ISHS Acta Horticulturae 525: International Conference on Integrated Fruit Production
DEVELOPMENTS IN PEST MANAGEMENT FOR INTEGRATED FRUIT PRODUCTION OF STONEFRUIT IN NEW ZEALAND |
| Authors: | P.L. Lo, G.F. McLaren, J.T.S. Walker |
| Keywords: | stonefruit, summerfruit, pest management, Tortricidae, thrips, Grapholita molesta, New Zealand |
| Abstract:
New Zealand has 2500 ha of peaches, apricots, nectarines, cherries and plums. Approximately 60% of the fruit are sold fresh on the local market, 25% is exported fresh and 15% is processed. The key pests are leafroller moths (Tortricidae), thrips, aphids, oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), mealybugs, mites and scale insects. We discuss some of these pests in terms of the progress towards IFP on processing and export crops. Processing peaches now receive 50% fewer insecticide applications (70% fewer postbloom applications) than six years ago. This reduction was largely due to decreased use of organophosphate insecticides, while use of miticides, carbamates and pyrethroids has been virtually eliminated. New Zealand flower thrips (Thrips obscuratus) are a problem on fresh market crops over bloom and close to harvest. They periodically invade Central Otago in spring under certain wind and temperature conditions. We have developed a model that predicts the risk of thrips influxes occurring. Growers are advised of high risk periods and monitor their own blocks. Non-chemical control strategies for thrips, such as reflective mulch and a post-harvest hot water disinfestation treatment, are being developed. We expect that other developments of the IFP programme will result in broad spectrum insecticides being replaced by insect growth regulators, Bacillus thuringiensis, oils and possibly pheromone mating disruption. | |
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