Innovative Pest Control Solutions for Eastern US Apple & Peach Growers

The goal of our USDA NIFA Specialty Crop Improvement Initiative project is to provide accessible and engaging resources for apple and peach growers to enhance their knowledge and adopt research-based IPM measures.

About Our Project

Cultivating Tomorrow's Orchards: Evolving and Enhancing IPM in Eastern Tree Fruit Systems

IPM Resources for Peach and Apple Growers

Large crates of apples in a New England orchard

Fruit Notes: What New England Tree Fruit Growers Told Us About IPM Challenges and Pest Control

What factors influence pest management decisions in New England orchards? Insights from Massachusetts apple and peach growers reveal how pest pressure, weather, economics, public perception, and risk shape integrated pest management (IPM) decisions. Learn what growers shared during a listening session and how their experiences can guide future research and extension efforts in tree fruit production.

Two podcast microphones for discussing tree fruit IPM

Blaauw and Rivera Talk Tree Fruit IPM Research on AgriCurious Podcast

Drs. Blaauw and Rivera discuss tree fruit IPM research and strategies on the AgriCurious Podcast.

A map of the United States with the states in which focus group participants were represented including: WI, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, PA, NY, NJ, MA, and MD

2025 Listening Sessions for Eastern Tree Fruit Farms

Summary of the seven listening sessions hosted to hear the pest management issues Eastern Tree Fruit Producers are facing.

Project Objectives

Our team is focused on achieving four broad objectives to target key pests affecting Eastern Tree Fruit producers. Click to learn about each objective below.

Measure phenological shifts of key pests and evaluate existing monitoring tools & models

Refine IPM tools to ensure compatibility with evolving practices & changes

Suppress pest populations in orchards with biocontrol and improved IPM tactics

Assess socioeconomic impact of enhanced IPM programs to promote grower adoption

Who We Are

A team of researchers from across the Eastern United States, we bring expertise as entomologists, horticulturists, sociologists, and outreach specialists to tackle the pest issues peach and apple growers face in the midst of erratic weather patterns, industry demands, and consumer concerns.

With partners from USDA ARS and nine research universities, our multi-university team is dedicated to addressing the braod-reaching issues associated with key pest species.

Meet Our Research Team