Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)

With apple harvest in full swing, are you confident that your fruit meet the allowable MRLs for your target market? Do you know the limits for the different countries you plan to ship your fruit? Where do you find out?
In this issue of our newsletter we cover several topics related to MRLs, pesticide use, residue studies and where to get more information. To read about MRLs visit: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.htmlhttp://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.html

Inside this issue:

• Maximum Residue Levels - defined
• Pesticide Degradation
• Apple Pesticide Residue Study
• OP-alternative Insecticides
• Pesticides that Exceeded the MRLs

  
To view back issues of the newsletter visit our archive: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletter_archive.htmlhttp://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletter_archive.html
  
   

Sterile Insect Release to Control Pests

SIR moth release device used in research trials.

Using the Pest to Control the Pest

Many pests of agricultural or human health importance have been eradicated or controlled using the Sterile Insect Release (SIR) approach. These include the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Melon Fly, Pink Bollworm, Oriental Fruit Fly, Tsetse Fly, Boll Weevil, Mexican Fruit Fly, Gypsy Moth, Stable Fly, Horn Fly, Corn Earworm, and Tobacco Hornworm.

The current issue our newsletter discusses the use of SIR to combat Codling moth infestations in commercial apple orchards. To read more visit: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.html.

Inside this issue:

• Use of Sterile Insects to Control Pests
• British Columbia's SIR Program
• WSU Research with Selected SIR
• Release Mechanisms
• Differentiating the SIR Moths from Wild Moths 

To view back issues of the newsletter visit our archive: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletter_archive.html.

eNewsletter: Enhancing Western Orchard Biological Control

Tachinid flies are a natural enemy of leafroller
and other Lepidoptera that feed on foliage.

What is Biocontrol?

Biological control occurs when pest populations are reduced by their natural enemies.  All pest species have natural enemies.  The effect of biocontrol can be enhanced by importing enemy species from the pest’s native country, increasing the number of already existing natural enemies, or working to conserve the natural enemies that are already present.  A research project, led by Vince Jones at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, is looking at ways to improve biocontrol and reduce the negative effects of pesticides on natural enemies.

To learn more about Biocontrol and this project read our newest eNewsletter

Inside this issue:

• What is biocontrol?
• Enhancing biocontrol in western orchards
• Lab studies on pesticide effects
• Natural enemy phenology

Read about Biocontrol here: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.html
For more information about the Enhanced Biocontrol project visit their website here: http://enhancedbiocontrol.org

Stink Bug eNewsletter

Chlorochroa sp.

Do you have a stink bug problem or would you just like to know more about this group of insects? Our newest issue of the PMTP eNewsletter is out and full of information about stink bugs.

Inside this issue:

• Photo ID of our most common species
• Fruit injury compared to bitter pit
• Monitoring, traps and control
• How to tell if you have Brown Marmorated or something else

Read all about stink bug here: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.html

Taiwan Systems Approach Work Plan Training and Other Sessions of Import

Its time to mark your calendar for this year's apple training sessions.
If you are planning to export your apples from the Pacific Northwest to Canada, China, Japan, Mexico or Taiwan you need to be registered with the appropriate exporting agent, Northwest Fruit Exporters or the Northwest Horticultural Council. This year's registrant packets should be on their way to those who are already registered. If you aren't registered, now is the time to do so. There will be a joint work plan informational meeting in Wenatchee at 10 am on Aug. 2 at the Red Lion and one in Yakima at 10 am on Aug. 3 at the Howard Johnson's.

If you are planning to export apples to Taiwan you need personnel trained to perform orchard and bin sampling, as well as having at least 2 certified cull cutters in the packing facility. Each requires retraining/certification every other year. However, annual refresher training is never a bad idea. So far this year 4 combined training sessions have been scheduled:
Aug. 3, 10am - Prosser   Aug. 5, noon - Yakima   Aug. 10, 3pm - Wenatchee   Aug. 15, 2pm - Brewster

For details on requirements, schedules, locations and directions visit our web site.