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Project Leaders: John J. Mishanec, CCE, NYS IPM Program, Les Hulcoop, CCE, Dutchess
County and Laura MacDermott, CCE Washington County
Cooperators: Dave Hambleton, Sister Hill Farm, Dutchess County and Sandy and
Paul Arnold, Pleasant View Farm, Washington County, Prof. Donald
Halseth, Cornell University
Type of grant: Non Funded - Cultural methods
Project locations: This work occurred in Washington and Dutchess counties. Findings
may be applied throughout the Northeast.
Abstract:
Potato leafhopper is one of the insects organic vegetable growers
have a difficult time controlling. During the summer of 2002 potato
leafhoppers were devastating to organic potato production in eastern
New York. Interest in evaluating potato varieties for leafhopper
resistance was at its “teachable moment”. Seed was
obtained from Prof. Don Halseth at Cornell and trials were set
up in Washington and Dutchess counties. The trials took place
on organic farms and employed normal organic production techniques.
The varieties were evaluated in late August. Results showed consistency
in most cases although there were a few location differences.
Yield and quality evaluations were carried out at the Washington
County location. Twilight meetings were held for interested growers
to look at and discuss the results.
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