Entomology. The following Expected Measurable Outcome was related to Entomology: A 50% increase in cut flower growers adopting one or more of the new pest management strategies. Although the efficacy of several sustainable approaches to pest management was tested in cut flowers, the team failed to detect an increase in growers adopting any of these strategies at this time. The proposal was written based on limited knowledge of the pest issues and grower challenges of both the traditional and Hmong growers. Following this research it is clear that the projected measurable outputs were off- target. The research instead revealed a complex group of factors contributing to each group’s pest management approaches and why the above measurable inputs were not achieved. Initial surveys to understand the major pest issues indicated the traditional growers, non-Hmongs, considered lack of market as their primary concern over that of pest issues, commenting “We can grow the flowers, it’s the market we need.” (conversation with Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx Gardens, 2010). Additional interviews with other traditional cut flower growers further substantiated Xxxx’x statement. These cut flower growers ranged in size from 2 – 100 acres (n = 12), 75% of them represented 10 or less acres, similar to statistics provided by our economics team. Smaller sized acreages are more manageable because of logistics and time requirements therefore amenable to non-chemical approaches, allowing more flexibility in pest management options. In addition, Washington’s traditional growers are interested in promoting sustainable management, enhancing quality of their cuts and providing a competitive edge over cheaper imports, as evidenced by the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market mission statement. Nevertheless, we performed research on a variety of sustainable and conventional methods (Project Approach section 4) and presented results of this at the cut flower growers’ school and the national ASCFG convention. This information will be available for growers on the project website. Hmong flower farms are primarily operated by older farmers, constrained by language and less apt to seek assistance. In contrast with the traditional growers, Hmong on-farm visits revealed larger populations of pest insects, in part because the Hmong farms visited were larger acreages than the average traditional growers farms, typically leased, with larger monoculture plots attracting more pests. Use of sustainable approaches, such as m...
Entomology. The Seller shall at their expense, provide the Purchaser with certificate issued by an SA Pest Control Association approved entomologist dated not earlier than the date of this agreement, to the effect that there is no visible evidence of timber-destroying insects in the buildings on the property, that in the entomologists opinion should be treated. Should there be any such evidence, the Seller shall at their expense within 15 days of such report, contract with a qualified person to carry out the work necessary to enable the entomologist to issue the certificate.
Entomology d. Clinical Chemistry – Provided by UC Xxxxx Medical Center and fees are determined on a case by case basis depending on testing requested.
Entomology. As vineyards and wineries continue to grow in number in Ohio we must be mindful of the long- term sustainability of grape production because what we do now will shape the trajectory of our grape industry in the future. In managing insect pests of grapes, our key challenges are: 1) staying up to date on the activity and occurrence of grape pests in Ohio, both old and new;
Entomology. The entomology team facilitated entomology field research planning, implementation and analyses of data. The team identified the major insect pests of specialty cut flowers in Washington state, western spotted cucumber beetle and Lygus bug. Results provided information on efficacy of biorational/sustainable approaches, such as usefulness of plant architecture and road barriers to minimize pest infestation and field-testing of both commercial and “over-the-counter” insecticides to control major flower pests in western Washington. Information was presented to two cut flower grower’s schools. The entomology team planned, co-hosted and participated in the 2011 and 2012 grower’s schools. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx and Bee Cha of the WSU Small Farms Program have been instrumental in facilitating contact between Hmong farmer collaborators and researchers, allowing on-site farm visits and interviews. Bee provided transportation and instantaneous English/Hmong translation for Hmongs attending the cut flower grower’s school. Economics: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Jello Mold Farm and founding member of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative) provided critical insights and feedback during numerous stages of the economics research activities. The Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative also provided valuable technical information and assistance. Bee Cha, the Hmong Outreach Coordinator in Carnation, WA was instrumental in arranging harvest data collection, explaining challenges facing Hmong farmers, arranging farm visits, and providing input for the bouquet pricing study. Business people in the Washington cut flower industry were generous with their time in granting interviews and sharing information about the workings of their business. Numerous growers and other researchers reviewed surveys for technical accuracy and content, and have offered assistance in distribution results through professional networks. An abbreviated description of the economics/marketing activities and most significant findings and conclusions are included here. Appendices corresponding to each activity are included at the end of the report and contain more detailed summaries and visual representation of results.
Entomology. Insect pest management is market driven. Washington’s cut flower industry is stratified between the Hmongs focused on large volume at xxxxxx’x markets and tourist venues such as Seattle’s Pike Place Market, while the traditional growers have developed an additional niche through their grower owned wholesale growers market. The xxxxxx’x market clientele is more tolerant of insect damage and primarily focused on bouquet appeal through color and volume/dollar value. The traditional growers however are concerned with developing the state’s industry through promoting fresh, local quality flowers and demand a higher standard for insect/damage free flowers. These two systems uniquely mirror the ability of each group to successfully manage insect pests since economic damage threshold is also two-tiered. The two grower groups can exist in harmony while meeting the needs of the state’s cut flower consumers. The project team was surprised at the overall lack of insect pest issues on cut flowers. The traditional growers have developed efficient methods in planning, crop selection and continually select new varieties with pest issues in mind. They are eager to share their knowledge to promote the industry, which was evident by the development of the wholesale growers school. Many are members of the ASCFG (Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers), a valuable national organization providing information including pest management and expertise to their members. The Hmongs are limited by their language barrier, to easily access new information, such as information on pest management and pesticide use. They intentionally overplant, anticipating loss from insect damaged flowers. Assistance to help the Hmongs will remain primarily within their own community and through outreach by WSU experts such as the Small Farms Program. The pictorial guide to insect pests was not completed due to the challenges of writing a guide for an ethnic group lacking a formal written language. The team will explore the possibility of creating a pictograph style that would be instructive for the Hmong cut flower growers and will continue to look into different formats for non-language communication.
Entomology. Management agrees that all fire stations will be sprayed as needed for insects and pests. The facility manager will submit a work order quarterly for each station.
