Title of project: Integrated Management of Weeds, Insect and Mites in Hops
Worksite location: Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Center (CLEREL), 6592 West Main Road, Portland, NY 14769
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Greg Loeb, Department of Entomology, NYSAES, Geneva, 14456, gme1@cornell.edu
Project summary and intended outcomes: The production of hops is seeing a reemergence in New York State as craft breweries are looking to capture their share of the market developed by the locally grown movement. While New York State has a long history in the production of hops, the hops yards found today have new varieties, many of them coming from the North Western United States. These varieties have not been extensively tested against the insect pests found in New York State. Limited pesticide control options for insects and weeds, combined with the desire of growers and brewers as well as the end market of beer drinkers, to have sustainably, if not organically, produced local hops creates a need for alternative pest management practices to be developed. This project will take place at the 1 acre hop yard at CLEREL in Portland, NY and will examine 1) the influence of timing of release and species of predatory mite on the efficacy of biological control of two spotted spider and 2) the efficacy of alternative chemical and mechanical approaches to managing weeds in hop yards.
Student intern’s role and responsibilities: Intern will assist in the development of the experimental design for the spider mite and weed management portions of the project. The intern, in conjunction with in-field mentor, will conduct basic care of hops during the growing season including fertilization, irrigation, training and harvesting. Intern will apply treatments, or assist full time staff in the case of chemical and mechanized weed control options, for spider mite and weed management portions of the project. Intern will be responsible for data collection, keeping detailed records and providing weekly reports of activities at CLEREL staff meetings. Intern will have the opportunity to present project updates at area grower meetings. The intern will also visit hop yards across western New York with in-field mentor to collect field data and interact with growers on their current IPM strategies.
Qualifications and previous coursework needed by student intern: Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to work without close supervision. Ability to work well with others
What learning outcomes/benefits/skills will the student gain: Intern will gain an understanding of how applied research is developed, and conducted, as well as its relevance to growers. The intern will become familiar with the wide range of opportunities for the dissemination of information including but not limited to; web pages, blogs, podcasts, digital video, electronic newsletters, hard copy publications and newsletters as well as posters and presentations. Intern will also be exposed to how the “locally grown” movement has affected production agriculture and the opportunities it presents for diversification and/or development of new markets. Intern will develop an understanding of the pest/biological control interaction in developing a biological control program. The intern will have the opportunity to develop/hone oral presentation skills by providing a project report at the annual Lake Erie Hops Conference meetings prior to returning to school. The intern will also present the results of the project at the CALS Summer Intern Report-Out held on the Cornell Ithaca campus in the fall of 2013.
More info and application procedures: Contact Greg Loeb gme1@cornell.edu