The Lamm Lab is excited to be part of an ambitious project funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The project, led by USDA ARS scientist Dr. Tracy Leskey, brings together a diverse team of researchers and extension specialists from entomology, horticulture, economics, and social science to address the complex pest issues faced by apple and peach growers in the Eastern United States. By embedding economic and sociological research elements within the project, the team aims to identify and overcome barriers to the adoption of enhanced IPM programs on farms.
Tackling the Toughest Pests
The project focuses on managing some of the most challenging pests identified by Eastern apple and peach growers by measuring phenological shifts, refining IPM tools, suppressing pest populations and assessing socioeconomic impact. These pests include:
- Codling Moth (CM)
- Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM)
- Plum Curculio (PC)
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)
- San Jose Scale (SJS)
- Lesser Peachtree and Peachtree Borer (LPTB, PTB)
- Dogwood Borer (DWB)
The Lamm Lab’s leadership in science communication will ensure the project’s findings and innovations are effectively disseminated to growers, stakeholders, and the broader community. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and the impactful work being done by the Lamm Lab and the University of Georgia!
