Michigan Apple IPM Implementation Project (1998-2001)

Integrated Fruit Management in Michigan Apples

Using a common system of monitoring, the project staff developed the infrastructure to carry out large-scale scouting and implementation efforts by training current growers and their employees, consulting firms, and agri-chemical firms in the use of the new information-intensive systems.

In 1999 orchard insecticide use among the project's growers was reduced 49 percent through the use of mating disruption on 877 acres and net revenues were higher in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) orchards because of better control and higher fruit quality.

In the 2000 growing season, the project expanded to 2,833 acres with 63 growers despite extremely difficult growing conditions and low prices to growers. Total organophosphate reduction in selective blocks, that year, was 26 percent. Again, growers netted higher revenues through better control, higher quality fruit, and an average insecticide cost savings of $48/acre.

In 2001 project participation, projected at 8,000 acres, rose to 8,360 acres. One hundred and three growers participated in this project last year, and in three years the project has achieved an overall average reduction of organophosphates of 35 percent.

Growers were from the following regions in Michigan:

Region	# of Participating Growers	Participating Orchard Acreage
South East	25	594
South West	32	1,439
Fruit Ridge	105	7,611
West Central	26	926
Northwest	24	1,506

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Economic Analysis: Estimated Net Costs* Per-Acre for Mating Disruption Programs

Pheromone** used for moth mating disruption in Selective Programs	1999 Growing Season				2000 Growing Season			2001 Growing Season
	# Farms	Selective Programs	Comparison Programs		# Farms	Selective Programs	Comparison Programs		# Farms	Selective Programs	Comparison Programs
Isomate C Plus	10	$134.20	$132.14		11	$151.23	$160.93		14	$164.03	$196.07
Isomate CM/LR	7	$266.95	$241.00		13	$256.38	$264.75		17	$271.71	$245.63
MEC-LR	8	$180.59	$205.95		8	$211.92	$246.16		7	$178.38	$180.06

* The figures here total the cost of pheromone dispensers, cost of labor for placement, and an estimated loss of profit based on fruit injury sampling.
**Click here for a description of pheromones used.

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Communications

Average annual expenditures on insecticides and miticides used in selective block ranged between $26.60 and $41.48 per acre greater than comparison blocks. In general when revenue loss from fruit injury was factored into this equation, the selective block were more economical (i.e. total expenditures were less) than comparison block only when the percentage of fruit being sent to a fresh market (as opposed to processing apples) was near 100 percent. One conclusion of the economic analysis is that incorporating mating disruption into a selective pest management program can be done economically, particularly when a high percentage of the fruit is targeted to a fresh market.

The economic viability of mating disruption programs can also be enhanced by eliminating the need for pesticide applications for secondary pests (i.e. mites, aphids, and leafminers) because unlike broad-spectrum pesticides, mating disruption does not reduce or eliminate natural enemies. Elimination of a single miticide application can result in savings of $40-$50 per acre, a large portion of the cost of the mating disruption programs used in this project.

For more information, contact

• David Epstein
• Project Coordinator
• 517-432-4766
• epstei10@msu.edu

The Michigan Apple Implementation Project website is: http://www.cips.msu.edu/maipmip/

View the Final Report (file size: approx 1.5 MB)

Educational Materials

Scouting Guide

In the spring of 2000, the Michigan Apple IPM Implementation Project (MAIPMIP) produced a 68-page apple pest guide that can be used by growers in the field. The full-color booklet is small enough to fit in a large pocket, and the spiral-bound pages are printed on plastic-coated paper to resist wrinkling, water, and dirt.

Fact Sheets

The project produced fact sheets on key pests in Michigan apple orchards, including codling moth and oblique-banded leafroller.

A special edition of the Gerber IPM Newsletter was used to promote industry-wide awareness and implementation.