National IPM Initiative
Phase I Projects

IPM for
Diversified Fresh Market Vegetable Producers

Justification & Objectives

JUSTIFICATION:

Fresh market vegetable producers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania grow an array of valuable crops including sweet corn, cucurbits, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, leafy greens, beans, eggplant, peppers, asparagus, and many others. These crops constitute a major source of healthy locally-grown produce that contributes to the local and regional economy. These farms and farm stands are also an important part of the rural economy and landscape.

Progress has been made in developing and implementing IPM programs for some fresh market vegetables, but because they are so diverse, relatively small-scale, and plagued by many different weed, insect, disease and wildlife pests, a more concerted effort is needed to determine the relative importance of each crop and the associated pests. This information is best obtained directly from the growers and would be used to help prioritize where IPM resources should be directed.

Because fresh market vegetables are often grown close to urban neighbors, negative interactions, especially related to pesticide use, frequently arise. The development and implementation of IPM programs, that focus on reduced pesticide input, would help alleviate these negative interactions. Such efforts would be enhanced by educational programs that demonstrate to the urban neighbors that the growers are using environmentally-sensitive IPM tactics. IPM tactics that are alternatives to pesticides, or minimize their need, would help address the pest control constraints facing growers.

OBJECTIVES:

I. Team building:

Build teams of individuals and organizations, including vegetable growers, environmental groups, marketing agents, private consultants, extension staff, and researchers to identify and address the needs of vegetable growers within New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

II. Assessment of grower needs:

Survey vegetable growers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to:

1. Identify crops grown

2. Determine weed, disease, insect and wildlife pest priorities for each crop

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IPM for Diversified Fresh Market Vegetables, Table of Contents

Index of Northeast Region Phase I Projects

IPM in the Northeast Region

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Justification


Integrated Pest Management in the Northeast Region is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension and Land Grant University IPM programs of the Northeast (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia) and by the United States Department of Agriculture. This site is part of the National IPM Network.

Developed and managed by James R. VanKirk, Facilitator for Northeast IPM Activities.

Technical management and design assistance: Karen English-Loeb, NY IPM Program