Florida Entomologist (1996) 79, 488-496
George C. Hamilton and James Lashomb (1996)
Comparison of conventional and biological control intensive pest management programs on eggplant in New Jersey
Florida Entomologist 79 (4), 488-496
Abstract: Adoption of biological control and Integrated Pest Management programs by growers depends on adequate control of pests while remaining cost effective. Some New Jersey eggplant growers follow a biological control intensive pest management (BCIPM) program, utilizing the egg parasitoid Edovum puttleri Grissell for the control of Colorado potato beetle. This study evaluates the profitability of the BCIPM program based on comparisons of planting and insecticide application costs, and yield information from conventional and BCIPM growers during the 1993 and 1994 growing seasons. On average, BCIPM growers utilized less insecticide and made fewer applications than conventional growers to control Colorado potato beetles. Differences for the control of aphids, eggplant flea beetles, and two-spotted spider mites were less evident. Each year, BCIPM growers harvested increased levels of higher quality fruit when compared with conventional growers, while incurring similar production costs. These differences resulted in higher per hectare crop values, increased monetary returns, and a more environmentally friendly production system for BCIPM growers.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
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Database assignments for author(s): George C. Hamilton
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
control - general
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection
