Are Persistent Biocontrol Nematodes a fit for your organic farm?
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Organic growers looking for a way to reduce damage to crops from soil-based insects may want to consider entomopathogenic nematodes. Strains of biocontrol nematodes adapted to NY growing conditions with their persistent genes intact to persist across growing seasons (and winter) are available in NY and can be utilized as an integrated tool, along with good cultural practices to suppress the soil insect populations below economic levels throughout the growing season.
Are Persistent Biocontrol Nematodes a fit for your organic farm? (pdf; 369KB)
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Upcoming Events
Hudson Valley Orchard Weed Management Meeting
June 25, 2025 : Hudson Valley Orchard Weed Management Meeting
Poughkeepsie, NY
At this meeting, we will discuss previous research on using mulch for weed management, including the benefits of stacking mulch treatments with an organic herbicide program. We will then discuss the treatments in our field trial, discuss results to date, and get initial reactions from the grower, while viewing the field trial. We will then discuss the other study objective, using a mechanical weeding system to replace contact herbicide applications, currently underway in the Champlain Valley.