February 15, 2012, On Solid Ground
WSU Scientists Use Flower Power to Combat Orchard Menace
Apple orchards are intricate webs involving a delicate balance between trees, soils, water, insects, and more. To manage the pests that can potentially damage a crop of apples, growers often apply pesticides. There are several problems associated with pesticide use, though, including risks to environmental and human health, the costs of the chemicals, and the equipment and labor needed to apply them. That’s why Washington State University researchers have been pioneering alternatives to pesticide use for managing pests.