Management of lepidopterous pests has been a challenge for organic and small acreage conventional sweet corn growers. We have developed and demonstrated pest management techniques that are acceptable for organic certification and do not involve the use of expensive specialized sprayers that are not affordable for small-acreage growers.

Sweet corn has not been an important crop for organic farmers in the past but those marketing through community supported agriculture (CSA) arrangement are often asked by their members to supply sweet corn in the shares. Management of lepidopterous sweet corn pests has been an impediment to successful production on organic farms. Sweet corn growers, both organic and conventional, with very small acreages cannot justify the expense of specialized high-clearance sprayers needed for sweet corn. Both groups of farmers need effective, economical, scale-appropriate methods for controlling the three major lepidopterous pests of sweet corn.

I have been developing and demonstrating pest management techniques that are acceptable for certified organic farmers, can be accomplished without high-clearance spray equipment, and produce a crop that is acceptable to consumers. Trichogramma ostriniae is a tiny parasitic wasp that parasitizes the egg masses of European corn borer, the primary lepidopterous pest of sweet corn. In conjunction with Mike Hoffmann's lab I have been refining release rates and timings and focusing the target audience to organic and small acreage sweet corn growers. I have also demonstrated the use of Bt-oil applications to the silks or the use of spinosad applied using a backpack sprayer for corn earworm management later in the season.

Organic and small acreage sweet corn growers now have effective management tools available for producing high quality sweet corn with worm infestation levels that are acceptable to their customers. Surveys of the customers on farms where these techniques have been demonstrated indicate that infestation levels are lower than previous years. Grower interviews indicate that they are interested in learning to use the techniques on their own and that the anticipated cost is within the range they are willing to spend. Several farmers have made the transition to using the techniques on their own, and we are introducing the techniques to other farmers.

• Michael P. Hoffmann (Department of Entomology)
• Jeffery Gardner (Department of Entomology)
• Sylvie Pitcher (Department of Entomology)
• Molly Shaw (SCNY Fruit and Vegetable Extension Program)
• John Mishanec (NYS IPM Progam)
• Don Sweet (Crop Advantage)
• Gayle and Mike Thorpe (Thorpe Family Farm)
• Janet and KC Mandeville (Mandeville Farm)
• Richard and Sue Sabol (Sabol Farm)
• Cheryl and David Henderson (Henderson Farms)