Summary 



Although the results we obtained both in 1971 and 1972 are 

 encouraging, and would seem to indicate that growers can through 

 a carefully monitored program eliminate a few spray applications 

 without serious loss of quality or quantity, we are not as yet pre- 

 pared to recommend a reduced spray program on a wide scale. Insect 

 and disease pressures vary from orchard to orchard and in order to 

 successfully employ a reduced spray program without risk to quality 

 and quantity, much information concerning insect and mite popula- 

 tion levels (both beneficial and otherwise) is needed. 



Further experimentation in this block and others is planned 

 for 1973, and a more widespread survey of insect and mite fauna in 

 several areas of the Commonwealth will be conducted. Hopefully, 

 the information gleaned will enable us to better establish economic 

 injury levels and to better manage insect and mite populations in 

 the future without endangering our environment in the process. 



*************** 



WOODCHUCKS IN ORCHARDS 



Edward R. Ladd, Wildlife Biologist 

 U.S. Fish & Wi Idlife Service 



With the advent of spring, the largest member of the squirrel 

 family, the woodchuck, will be making its appearance. Originally, 

 the Eastern woodchuck was believed to be a forest animal. Like 

 several other animals, it evidently has taken advantage of man's 

 endeavors and now can be found near or in clearings, meadows, fields, 

 and cultivated farmlands. 



To the fruitgrower, the presence of this animal in his orchard 

 may pose a problem due to the injury it inflicts on trees. Visible 

 damage, although slight, usually is limited to the spring when the 

 animal first emerges from hibernation and scratches and chews the 

 lower trunks of trees. This activity is caused by the woodchuck's 

 attempt to wear down his teeth that have continued to grow while 

 he was in hiberation. Since his emergence is at a time when pre- 

 ferred green vegetation for food is scarce, some tree bark and buds 

 may be taken. 



Perhaps a more serious form of injury is caused by the wood- 

 chuck's burrow system if it is located at the base of a tree. In 

 addition to aerating the root system, excavation of the tunnel re- 

 moves soil necessary for supporting the tree and increases its 

 probability of tilting and wind throw. 



