-6- 



mite predator Amblyseius fallacis ^ were lower than normal this year 

 possibly owing to low overwintering numbers of this beneficial mite or to 

 the effects of pyrethroid or carbamate insecticides directed at other 

 pests. 



Plans for 1984 - It appears that funding for apple IPM, as well as for IPM 

 programs begun in Mass. in 1983 in other commodities, will continue at 

 present levels in 1984. Based on this premise, we plan to continue with a 

 similar apple IPM effort, focusing particularly on the IPM training 

 sessions and maintenance of an extensive, frequently updated, tree fruit 

 pest message system. We welcome grower suggestions and comments on the 

 pest messages to ensure that grower needs are met. 



As mentioned above, we expect to publish a field manual of IPM 

 techniques prior to the 1984 growing season. We feel that this publication 

 will provide growers with a comprehensive field reference to 

 identification, life histories, damage, monitoring and control measures 

 for the major New England apple pests. 



In addition, Massachusetts will be one of a group of states 

 participating in a national study on IPM program impact. This study, under 

 the leadership of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, will examine overall 

 social and economic benefits of IPM implementation to the state's apple 

 growers. We will be one of two states in the Northeast (New York is the 

 other) to focus on apples. It is hoped that this study will provide 

 information which will be useful in justifying further Federal support for 

 IPM and in determining areas where program modifications are required to be 

 more responsive to private sector needs. 



