Conclusions:
There are several insecticides to choose from when making decisions about control of CM and LR. The best use of these new products comes through a complete understanding of how they affect the life stages of both pests. The efficacy of many of the new insecticides rivals that achieved by the OP insecticides, though in some cases more frequent applications are required. The best approach to using the new insecticides for CM and LR control is to mix them into a comprehensive approach that avoids overuse of any one class of product. This will help to reduce selection for resistance and extend the effective life of new products. Use of new insecticide technologies will in the short term cost more than programs that rely on old insecticide technologies, but substantial benefits (Table 4) can be derived from use of new insecticides such as the following:
- ease of farm worker management,
- elimination of the need for cholinesterase testing,
- conservation of biological control agents, and
- an overall reduction in negative environmental effects often attributed to pesticide use.
While some of these benefits do not accrue directly to the grower, many do. It is a good time for many Washington apple producers to initiate implementation of NO-OP pest control programs on at least some of their apple production. It takes time to learn how best to use new technologies.