Q. I want to start a commercial apple orchard. Where do I go for information?
") document.write("The University of Massachusetts Amherst has an active Apple Extension program. Information about the various aspects of growing apples is available by contacting the UMass Fruit Team, Jon Clement at 413-323-4208 and/or going to the UMass Fruit Advisor web site.
Information about using IPM when growing apples is available by contacting the UMass Fruit Team Contact Bill Coli at 413-545-1051 or wcoli@umext.umass.edu and/or by login on to the UMass Fruit Advisor web site.
Q. Is there a Pest Management Guide for growing apples commercially in Massachusetts?
") document.write("There is a pest management guide compiled each year by faculty and Extension staff from the New England State Universities. The guide is available on the web.
Q. Do I need a pesticide license to apply pesticides to commercially grown apples in Massachusetts?
") document.write("Massachusetts pesticide law requires that all persons who apply restricted pesticides to commercially grown agricultural crops must be in possession of a valid license or certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources MDAR. In accordance with the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act and the current pesticide regulations, the MDAR conducts written examinations to measure competency to use, sell, and apply pesticides in Massachusetts. All exams are closed book and applicants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of the examination.
More information on obtaining a Massachusetts Pesticide License you can contact the University of Massachusetts Pesticide Education Program on the web or the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources-Pesticide Bureau online.
Q. I have a commercial apple orchard. Where can I have my soil tested?
") document.write("Information about collecting soil samples and having the soil tested at the University of Massachusetts Soil Test Lab website.
Q. Where do I get information on growing apples using organic methods?
") document.write("See the following web sites:
Entomologists at Cornell Fight Apple Pests Organically
National Systainable Agriculture Information Service
You can also use Google