Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Pest Management Strategic Plan for Pears

Program Contact: Bernardita Sallato, Tree Fruit Extension Specialist
(509) 786-9205 • b.sallato@wsu.edu

Summary of Most Critical Needs for Pear Pest Management Specific to the Yakima Valley

Research:
  • Research variety/rootstock susceptibility to fire blight under different cropping systems,
  • Strategies to avoid pear psylla tolerance or resistance to insecticides,
  • Improved sprayer technology for better canopy coverage, and management of key pests,
  • Development of products and strategies that target different stages of codling moth, and
  • Management strategies for emerging exotic arthropods and diseases.
Regulatory:
  • Producer guidelines on how to diminish risks of exceeding pesticide MRLs on pears,
  • Develop food safety regulations for risks outside the control of pear producers, and
  • Develop  guidelines for producers to minimize food safety risks associated with pears.
Education:
  • Develop a centralized website of pest management information for tree fruit producers,
  • Promote the indirect impacts of area-wide programs to encourage producer adoption,
  • Consumer awareness of what producers do for public health & as environmental stewards,
  • Continue to educate the public on the benefits of eating properly ripened pears.

For More information on commercial pear production, see: Pest Management Strategic Plan for Pears in Oregon and Washington, by Katie Murray and Joe DeFrancesco, Oregon State University.