05/20/08 Research proposal would aid potato growers implement IPM

Farm and Ranch May 2, 2008 A research proposal is being put together that will seek federal funding for a team of northwest entomologists to development new information and education materials to help potato growers implement Integrated Pest Management practices, or IPM. Andy Jensen, Director of Research for the Washington State Potato Commission, says the research would help fill gaps in knowledge about IPM. Jensen: "We have pretty serious gaps in some ways in that we know something about most of the insects that occur on potatoes but we don't really have good recommendations about when to treat with insecticides or whether to treat with insecticides for some of these insects. So there is just some basic biology we need to work on as well as more detailed information on some of the more well know pests as to whether it is important to treat at certain times of the year and so forth." Jensen explains why implementing IPM could be important for producers. Jensen: "To help growers deal with some new requirements that might come in by big buyers who want to see farm produce grown under IPM practices and minimize pesticide use." Assuming federal funding is approved, Jensen says they would hope to have pilot projects underway in the 2009 growing season. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.