YAKIMA, WA - Something wicked came into the orchards of Domex Superfresh Growers as it releases its latest Orchard Update, featuring Chief Horticulturist Dave Gleason.
“One of the projects we are proud of is how much we use integrated pest management (IPM) in managing our orchards and keeping our fruit clean,” describes Gleason of the soft approach IPM is a soft approach to pest management, including the use of good bugs such as spiders, to fight off pests."
And, strangely, some of the helpful spiders seem to have reached impressive sizes in Domex’s orchards. “Spiders are a great benefit to our orchards; they eat the pests that feast on our apples. It is exciting to have their help in our orchard!” Gleason commented in the video, with his own friendly spider in the frame.
Gleason also introduces a new face to Domex’s Orchard Update team: Farm Special Operations Flor Maldonado.
Maldonado explained that another project Superfresh Growers has in the works is increasing the use of platforms, explaining, “Platforms increase efficiency and worker safety. We are starting to plan for the future and are looking at the layout of the trees.”
A method the company is using to increase the use of platforms is installing trellis systems and planting high-density orchards. “In the future, we will fully do away with the use of ladders in the fields and fully utilize platforms, which helps us with thinning, pruning, tree training, and picking,” Maldonado concluded.
To learn more about the developments in the orchard over the October month, watch the full video above.
