Insect and Mite Control, Highland, N.Y., 1988

Treatments were applied to 8-tree plots replicated 3 times in a randomized complete block design. Each plot contained 4 ‘Bartlett’ and 4 ‘Bosc’ cultivars, spaced 12 by 18 ft., 12 ft. high, and 14 yr old. Treatments were applied by high-pressure handgun sprayer dilute to run-off at 350 psi using 1.9-3.1 gal/tree (380–623 gal/acre, depending on time of season and leaf canopy present). Treatments were applied at bud burst, 12 Apr; white bud, 1 May; petal fall, 16 May; and in cover sprays on 3 Jun, 19 and 20 Jun, 5 Jul, and 1 Aug. Applications for disease control over the entire block included Captan 50 W 2 lb/100 gal, on 27 May, 9 Jun, and 30 Jun. PP were evaluated by collecting 5 Bartlett spurs (25 leaves) from each plot on 19 May and 1 Jun, and thereafter 5 Bartlett shoots (25 leaves) from each plot on 14 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, and 8 Aug. All live nymphs and eggs on each leaf were counted in the laboratory with a binocular scope. PRM populations were assessed by examining the same leaves used in most of the preceding PP samples. These leaves were viewed with the aid of a binocular scope and all live mites were counted. Insect injury and fruit finish were evaluated by examining 100 Bartlett fruits per plot (25 fruits/tree) which were harvested on 6 Sep. Fruit finish was rated using the following indexes: 0, 0-10% russet; 1, 10-40%; 2, 40-75%; 3, >75%. Rainfall was below normal during April, June, and August but above normal during July. Temperatures were above normal during June, July, and August. Pest pressure, especially from PP and PRM, was greater than usual early, but for PP was below normal after the intense heat of late June, which may have contributed to the population’s decline.