|
|
| Pest Management Office | Broccoli Links |
| 491 College Ave., Orono, ME 04473-1295 | |
| 207-581-3880 or 1-800-287-0279 (in Maine) | |
| Clubroot of Crucifers Fact Sheet | |
|
 |
Broccoli IPM |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Maine broccoli industry is relatively new to the Maine Agricultural scene. The broccoli industry in Maine began in the early 1980's and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension provided an integrated management approach to pest control as an integral part of the initial production practices. As a result, the Maine Broccoli IPM concept is part of the standard practices of all Maine commercial producers. The Maine broccoli industry has been, from its inception, keenly interested in reducing pesticide usage while maintaining superior crop quality and yields. This interest is a direct result of market demands for high quality produce; consumer concerns about pesticide residues; environmental and personal safety concerns; as well as escalating costs. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Broccoli IPM program was initiated in 1982 by James D. Dwyer, Area Crops Specialist and Dr. James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist. This was the first University initiated broccoli IPM program in the nation. The broccoli crop is grown in rotation with potatoes; and as a result, it had partial funding support from the Maine potato industry. The broccoli IPM program is unique because the concept of economic thresholds, the need for accurate pest identification, and an integrated approach to pest control was included in the general crop production practices initially taught to producers. The introduction of a new cropping system allowed for this IPM inclusion to happen without having to alter established production practices. As with all Extension programs, the goal of the IPM program is to create a positive change through education. Extension staff provided and continue to provide information on crop pests and management strategies through educational programs, newsletters, and personal contact; but because of the success of this program, the primary operation has been turned over to the industry with technical support from Cooperative Extension. During the 1994 crop season, due to monitoring of pest pressure, producers were able to reduce one insecticide application versus a calendar spray schedule. Due to monitoring of downy mildew and the use of resistant varieties, fungicide applications (3) were completely eliminated. These reductions resulted in a savings of over 165 gallons of insecticide and 14,000 pounds of fungicide not being sprayed into the environment on 3,500 acres of broccoli. The growers also switched to a less hazardous and more environmentally sound bacterial insecticide, Bt. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Broccoli IPM program adjusts, adapts, and improves each year in response to the needs of the Maine broccoli industry. To insure that the IPM program stays in touch with the industry, a survey of IPM participants takes place and the program is reviewed annually. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For more information contact: |
|||
| Jim Dwyer, Area Crops Specialist PO Box 727 Houlton Rd. Presque Isle, ME 04769-0727 (207) 764-3361 |
Jim Dill, IPM
Coordinator 491 College Ave. Orono, ME 04473-1295 (207) 581-3880 |
||
|
