Degree day models exist for key Delia species in the PNW, but these models are not widely used due to development and validation east of the Continental Divide. Our project will validate phenology models for the top two Delia pests in the PNW (seedcorn maggot and cabbage maggot), identifying flies to species with molecular techniques, and test if model-predicted oviposition time can be used for to guide management.
Neonicotinoids and pyrethroids are commonly used pesticides against insect pests, including many species that are vectors of plant pathogens. However, these pesticides pose environmental and health risks, and for certain crops major buyers such as Walmart and Costco have begun to mandate that they will only purchase products grown without neonicotinoids at planting. Thus, there is a need to seek sustainable alternatives.
Potatoes are a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s agricultural economy but face constant threats from a range of plant diseases. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, pose environmental and human health risks, driving interest in sustainable alternatives. This project explores Kaki-tannin, a highly polymerized tannin from persimmon fruits, as a biopesticide to combat major potato diseases like late blight.
To ensure widespread adoption of this renewable resource, it is essential to understand who participates and does not participate in incentive programs like the WSDA Compost Reimbursement Program (CRP). This study aims to address this gap by (1) evaluating the demographics and farm characteristics of CRP participants and non-participants using anonymized WSDA data, interviews, and surveys, and (2) identifying barriers to participation.
The proposed project will be used to further search for additional codling moth pathogens, while developing the already found pathogens as biopesticides. If successful, those biopesticides may be licensed by WSU for production and sale to farmers.
Forages are well suited for livestock production, wildlife habitat, and provide benefits for soil conservation. As forages mature, protein declines and fiber increases. In ruminant nutrition, forages with less than 7% crude protein are considered low quality. Since protein is the first-limiting nutrient with low quality forages, grazing mature forage grasses typically requires provision of supplemental protein.
Teaching youth about biologically intensive agriculture can drive wider societal support for BIOAg farming and expand equitable access to food from these production systems. This study will investigate how knowledge and consumption of BIOAg food among children (and by extension families) changes in response to youth farmer’ market experiences.
Soil erosion is a continuous agricultural and environmental problem in the inland Pacific Northwest. Factors contributing to the high erosion rates include hilly topography, highly erodible soils, frequent winter freeze-thaw events that weaken the soil, and tillage and fallow practices that leave soil pulverized and bare. This project will develop a prototype framework to measure success (or lack thereof) of conservation programs.
Metarhizium is a sporulating soil fungus used worldwide as pest biocontrol agents for their entomopathogenic properties. Varroa mite is a major pest of honey bees and are detrimental to honey bee health and primarily cause colony collapse. Chemical miticides raised concerns about human and pollinator health hazards and adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, beekeeping community actively seeks biopesticides as an alternative solution.
Incentive programs to promote climate mitigation and soil health often resort to incentivizing practice adoption and crudely estimated benefits, rather than the actual soil carbon accrual. A transition to incentivizing the benefit itself, aligned with the principles of true cost accounting, is critical.