Exclusion nets for organic apple production in Eastern Canada

Gérald Chouinard, researcher

Gérald Chouinard

Researcher, agr., Ph.D.

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Description

The aim of this project was to test the general hypothesis that exclusion nets, when properly used, can prevent attacks by most apple pests and reduce disease incidence with no major adverse effects on fruit quality. The system was adapted specifically to conditions in Eastern Canada and a water barrier treatment added (depending on the results) to protect against apple scab.

Objective(s)

  • Measure the effects of this protection system on fruit quality and profitability in the orchards’ geographic and climatic context (humid climate east of the Rockies)

From 2014 to 2018

Project duration

Fruit production

Activity areas

Pest, weed, and disease control

Service

IRDA helps Québec growers adopt eco-friendly tools.

Partner

Organic Agriculture Center of Canada (Dalhousie University)

Publications

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2019-2020 • Fruit production

Using multitask nets and mechanization to eliminate pesticide use in apple orchards

Exclusion nets have proven to be effective against nearly all of these insect pests, which means that it’s possible to develop apple growing practices in Québec that are not only neonicotinoid free, but also devoid of all pesticides (including acaricides, given that mite problems are a consequence of broad-spectrum insecticide use). Although the net exclusion microsystem studied in Québec since 2012 has demonstrated its effectiveness in controlling insect pests, some issues remain to be studied before it can be unreservedly recommended. Among these are the handling times for the nets, i.e., installation/removal and opening/closing, and the system’s profitability and durability over the long haul for various cultivars.

Researcher: Mikaël Larose

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2018-2021 • Fruit production

Automated traps for pest monitoring in Québec apple orchards

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