Davis Instruments Announces New Tool for Avoiding Nut Tree Crop Pest Damage

HAYWARD, CA–(Marketwired – Jan 7, 2014) – Davis Instruments today announced its new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Module for Nut Trees, including almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios. The new software links nut tree growers’ weather data to actual pest risk, giving them a powerful new tool in the battle against nut crop pest damage.

The IPM module is an add-on software component that integrates with Davis Instruments’ WeatherLink® software. Weather conditions are measured using Davis’ wireless Vantage Pro2™ pest management package. Using temperature, humidity, rain and leaf wetness data, the IPM Module for Nut Trees generates stepped risk levels to warn when conditions are most susceptible to pest development. Using the software, farmers will be better able to determine when pest control actions are necessary and would be most effective. This information allows farmers to save time and money — and can result in a higher crop yield.

“Davis Instruments is committed to using weather technology to help farmers with their crops. IPM Module for Nut Trees is our fourth IPM module, joining Grapes, Apples & Pears and Stone Fruits,” said Susan Foxall, Marketing Director, Davis Instruments. “Our onsite botanist and meteorologist have worked closely together to develop the most accurate pest models possible. We believe our pest management package (the IPM module, wireless Vantage Pro2 with or without Vantage Connect®, Wireless Leaf & Soil Moisture/Temperature Station and WeatherLink) is the most comprehensive in the market and an essential tool for healthy crops and healthy profits.”

From their PC, nut tree growers can easily see when conditions are favorable for insect pests to reach a damaging stage of growth, or for disease development to occur. A color-coded spreadsheet prioritizes the highest risk potential pests at the top of the list and highlights them in red. Farmers can configure the software to reflect those pests present in their specific area. Paired with a Vantage Connect, the software uses the pest configuration and real-time data from orchard weather sensors along with the updated pest development algorithms to deliver the most accurate, orchard-specific risk assessment available.

Diseases Predicted and Models Employed
Alternaria Leaf Spot of Almond
Anthracnose of Almond
Panicle and Shoot Blight of Pistachio
Pecan Scab
Walnut Blight

Insect and Mites Predicted
Codling Moth
European Red Mite
Fruittree Leafroller
Lygus Bug
Navel Orangeworm
Obliquebanded Leafroller
Oriental Fruit Moth
Pacific Spider Mite
Peach Twig Borer
Peachtree Borer
San Jose Scale
Twospotted Spider Mite
Walnut Husk Fly

An Integrated Pest Management system, including wireless Vantage Pro2, Leaf Wetness Sensor with a Leaf & Soil Moisture/Temperature Station, WeatherLink and the IPM Module for Nut Trees starts at $1605. For a remote station, include Vantage Connect, Davis Instruments’ new solar-powered telematics weather receiver/transmitter. Current weather stations owners can purchase the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Module for Nut Trees for $495.

About Davis Instruments

Davis Instruments is located in Hayward, California, where its research and design, production, technical support, and customer support departments reside. Davis offers full lines of weather, automotive and marine products. Davis is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, call (800) 678-3669 or (510) 732-9229. To learn more about Davis Instruments, visit davisnet.com.