Conservation Biocontrol on Urban Farms in NYC

November 1, 2021


Join us as we discuss the results of our 3-year project with NYS IPM to help urban NYC growers improve their management of arthropod pests by attracting and conserving natural enemies (arthropods that prey on pest arthropods). CCE Intern, Ileana Katzman will present the findings from her work this past summer monitoring three cooperating urban farms to assess the diversity and abundance of natural enemies and pests of interest to these growers, as well as the amount of damage the pests are doing to crops.

No upcoming events at this time.

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.

NYS Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment

As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. The New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.