91制片厂

Severe infestations of cabbage aphids can virtually destroy a crop of Brussels sprouts, making them unmarketable. However, new research from the 91制片厂 shows that organic pesticides can be effective in managing the pests.

The research was conducted by Becky Sideman, a researcher with the听听and extension professor of sustainable horticulture production, and her undergraduate student Talia Levy. Levy studied the issue of aphid infestations of Brussels sprouts for her senior thesis. The research was conducted at the 91制片厂 Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, a facility of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station.

鈥淚n recent years, we performed听听comparing different varieties of Brussels听sprouts as well as different growing practices. In these experiments, we observed听severe infestations of cabbage aphid. Although our research did not focus on听the aphids, they were quite a nuisance and rendered most sprouts unmarketable. From听conversations with growers in the region, we came to realize that many growers, especially听organic growers, were struggling with cabbage aphid management,鈥� Sideman said.

To address this issue, Levy compared two different methods of managing cabbage aphids: intercropping with flowers that provide habitat for naturally-occurring aphid predators, and using organic insecticides, alternating between insecticidal soap, and a combination of azadirachtin and pyrethrins.

鈥淲hile we observed lots of aphid predators and parasites on the flowering plants, they did not provide sufficient control of cabbage aphids.听On the other hand, weekly scouting and application of organic pesticides when economic thresholds were reached did provide good control of cabbage aphid,鈥� Sideman and Levy said.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 228522. For additional information on this research project, visit听.

Founded in 1887, the听听at the听听is 91制片厂鈥檚 original research center and an elemental component of New Hampshire's land-grant university heritage and mission. We steward federal and state funding, including support from the听, to provide unbiased and objective research concerning diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture and foods, aquaculture, forest management, and related wildlife, natural resources and rural community topics. We maintain the Woodman and Kingman agronomy and horticultural research farms, the Macfarlane Research Greenhouses, the Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, and the Organic Dairy Research Farm. Additional properties also provide forage, forests and woodlands in direct support to research, teaching, and outreach.