Good Fruit Grower

November 2011

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Electronic trap SAVES LABOR Johnny Park, engineer of the Z-Trap, was in Washington State recently to demonstrate a new codling moth trap that counts insects, sending trap data to a computer. A n electronic trap for monitoring insect pests will free up growers or employees from the chore of checking trap catches every week in the field. The battery- operated trap, well under development, will allow them to monitor trap catches online in real time. The project to develop the trap is part of a national research program on labor-saving technology called Comprehensive Automation for Specialty Crops. Dr. Vince Jones, entomologist at Washington State University, who is a cooperator in the project, said that as orchards expand in size, driving around checking traps in the field can be a considerable expense, particularly as the cost of labor and gasoline increase. Electronic monitoring should be easier and cheaper. Dr. Johnny Park at Purdue University is handling the engineering aspects of the device and will commercialize the new "Z-trap" through his company Spensa Technologies, Growers will be able to monitor pests from their computers in real time. by Geraldine Warner and Melissa Hansen Inc., in Indiana. Entomologist Dr. Larry Hull at Pennsylvania State University is also involved. When they began, three years ago, the researchers envisioned that an electronic trap would contain a wireless camera to identify the insects caught, Jones said, but that proved impractical because of the small size of the insects and because they're not all ori- ented the same way when they land in the trap. It also wouldn't relieve growers from the task of going out to change the sticky bottom periodically. Early on in the project, the researchers used bucket traps with pheromone lures and an infrared beam that, when broken, indicated that an insect had entered the trap. Hull and Jones did studies to find out what color the trap should be in order to discourage nontarget insects, such as flies or honeybees, from entering the trap and making it more difficult to identify codling moth. Growers: Attract and maintain a steady labor force by offering on-farm housing that sleeps up to 20 workers in high quality, low maintenance structures. 22 NOVEMBER 2011 GOOD FRUIT GROWER We have several floor plans approved by the Washington State Department of Health– fully self-contained units, and dormitory only. Over 140 units already sold! We use these quality components: • James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding • Jeld-Wen windows with double-strength glass • Copper water lines • Large capacity water heaters With 20 years' experience here in the Valley to service your product www.goodfruit.com They include: • showers • toilets/sinks • kitchen with appliances - GE • eating area • sleeping area • social area • plumbed for washer/dryer Experienced in building H-2A Housing– We are the only factory HUD code builder in Washington. melissa hansen

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