Orchard, Greenhouse, Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Research

Mission: To conduct pathogen/pest control application technology research for improving greenhouse, nursery, landscape and turf quality, while reducing production costs and negative impacts on the environment. Representative projects include: • Reduction of conventional pesticide usage while obtaining improved coverage.   For more information, contact:  Richard C. Derksen, Ph. D. • Spray drift minimization and air quality improvement (Spray drift site at ARS, ATRU OARDC, Wooster, Ohio.)    For more information, contact:  Heping Zhu, Ph.D. • Direct evaluation of fungicide and insecticide canopy penetration and coverage with electron beam analysis. (Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of Copper Hydroxide droplet residue from drift study. Bar=20 micrometers.)    For more information, contact: Charles R. Krause, Ph. D. • Characterization of spray nozzle wear using electron beam analysis. (SEM of a worn brass spray nozzle. Note wear patterns (arrows). Bar=300 micrometers.)   For more information, contact: Charles R. Krause, Ph. D. • Development of more effective and safe management of pathogens and pests that cause nursery quarantine problems. (Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) on leaf surface.)   For more information, contact: Michael E. Reding, Ph. D • Participation in the national pesticide label expansion program for minor use crops called IR-4.   For more information, contact: Michele Giovannini, Charles R. Krause, Ph.D. or Michael E. Reding, Ph. D *In conjunction with the Laboratory for Pest Control Application Technology (LPCAT) at the Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.