Science in Our Valley: Netting Applications for Insect Management in Apple Orchards

The next in the Spring 2020 Science in Our Valley seminar series features Adrian Marshal, Doctoral Graduate Student, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.
Adrian’s seminar, “Netting Applications for Insect Management in Apple Orchards,” will begin at 4 p.m. at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.

Washington orchardists have begun employing shade netting structures to protect their fruit from sunburn. Certain shade netting structures can create a barrier to insect pests, such as codling moth and stink bugs in apple orchards. We conducted field trials to test the ability of commercial shade netting to prevent codling moth and stink bug damage at the WSU research orchard and commercial apple blocks in Manson, WA. These trials indicated that direct pest densities and damage were lower in netted plots than in the conventional plots and the untreated plots. However, non-target effects were apparent and need to be carefully considered in future management programs.

About Science in Our Valley Seminar Series

The science seminars are free to attend, open to the community, and a great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. The content is intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, K-12 educators and science enthusiasts. This spring’s line-up is quite diverse and features topics from: reproductive health, forestry and environment, technology in agriculture, and even native bees.

The full list of presenters and details can be found: https://applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

K-12 Educators are also encouraged to attend the seminars to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Ten STEM clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for educators who attend the series. Educators can register for clock-hours here: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/101582

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Host organizations include the Apple STEM Network, the North Central Educational Service District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College, and the Bridge Research and Innovation District.

All events are open to the public, and run from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 P.M. (1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee).