Professor/Extension Specialist University of Arizona Yuma, Arizona
Spinosad is an important component of organic leafy vegetable production in the southwestern United States. Prior to the registration of Entrust (spinosad) in 2002, very little certified organic lettuce was produced due to challenges in the control of key insect pests including beet armyworm, cabbage looper, Liriomyza leafminers and western flower thrips. However, the registration of spinosad formulations allowed in organic lettuce production provided growers with an effective alternative to overcome these pest challenges. Accordingly, certified organic lettuce acreage has steadily increased in the past 20 years. This presentation aims to provide an overview of the historical role spinosad played in enhancing the growth and development of the IPM and organic lettuce production in the desert southwest. Examples of how spinosad fulfills the needs of growers and consumers for high quality produce will include favorable IPM attributes and spinosad field performance against key pests. Future challenges with generic spinosad products and resistance management will be addressed.