Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ply it frequently in wet and windy climates. Fruit specialists in high-rainfall
areas of the southeastern United States report problems keeping enough ka-
olin on the trees to be effective in controlling pests.
The added benefits of Surround include improved photosynthesis (prob-
ably by deflecting sunlight and cooling the leaves) and improved coloring
on some apples. The kaolin film appears to reduce symptoms of fire blight,
sooty blotch, and flyspeck. It is compatible with most organic pesticides, but
do not tank-mix it with sulfur or Bordeaux mix.
Insect and Mite Pests
Many insects and mites feed on orchard crops. Most cause minor damage
and are easily controlled. In order to develop an effective pest management
program, you need to know which pests are found in your area. As for dis-
eases, Cooperative Extension and Ministry of Agriculture offices often pub-
lish regional guides for fruit growers. Many of these guides are now available
on the Internet for regions across the United States and Canada. The follow-
ing section includes the more serious and common orchard pests found in
North America.
Sucking Pests
Sucking pests include insects and mites that feed directly on the liquid con-
tents of leaf and fruit cells. Typical orchard sucking pests include aphids,
leafhoppers, scales, and mites. Because they feed on sap from inside the
cells, ingestion-type insecticides are generally ineffective in controlling these
pests. Beneficial organisms play important roles in controlling many sucking
pests.
