10/25/05 I.P.M. and Christmas trees

It seems a little premature to be covering a Christmas story in October yet for one segment of our agriculture, those who farm Christmas Trees, October begins countdown to harvest. The most popular trees this season continue to be Doug fir, Noble fir, Norway spruce and Colorado spruce. In the state of Pennsylvania where growing trees mean an economic boost of over 41 million per year, more growers are turning to integrated pest management practices to reduce pesticides expenditures. They are learning that by monitoring insect behavior via trapping and scouting, they can apply pesticides only when needed, at the insects most venerable life stage. After just two years of implementing IPM management practices three growers reported 50 percent reduced pesticide use and one large grower said it equated to $200,000 savings. IPM practices are environmentally valuable by reducing pesticide exposure to insects, and animals that are beneficial. I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought. Source: September 27,2005