Satsuma mandarin is an emerging industry in Alabama and the Gulf Coast States. Strong industry and state support is promoting industry growth with much research being conducted to develop new markets. One highly successful market development has been the federally funded Farm to School program. About one-fourth of the 2003 and 2004 Satsuma mandarin crop was sold to the Alabama School systems. The Alabama Satsuma Citrus IPM Program was initiated in 2003 to facilitate the development and implementation of IPM strategies for the crop in the state. IPM-related activities conducted include grower education and training, and evaluation of alternative pest management strategies such as pest monitoring tactics, biological control and reduced risk pesticides. Grower implementation of IPM is vital to the survival of the budding Alabama Satsuma citrus industry and will reduce worker risks, decrease the residues of toxic pesticides on fresh market citrus and the environment, and reduce exposure of school children to harmful pesticides. For more information contact: Henry Fadamiro,
E-mail: fadamhy@auburn.edu
Alabama Citrus IPM Workshop on Thursday, March 2nd, 2006 at the Gulf Coast Research & Extension Center in Fairhope, Alabama.
Auburn University held a workshop and training session on citrus pest management on Thursday, March 2nd, 2006 at the Gulf Coast Research & Extension Center in Fairhope, Ala (8300 State Hwy 104). The workshop was partly funded by an EPA-Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant for development and implementation of citrus IPM in Alabama. The purpose of this workshop was to provide area growers with an understanding of the fundamentals of integrated pest management and capability of identification and control of the major pests of citrus in Alabama. The workshop was intended for commercial Satsuma growers and other citrus enthusiasts who have trees or plan to start new orchards. The workshop featured among other speakers, Dr. Carl Childers, a retired entomologist from the Univ. of Florida and an expert on mite biology and control. The workshop was attended by about 50 people including fruit growers and extension agents.
