Integrated Pest Management
UMass Cold Spring Orchard
Location and Orchard Store Hours
Fruit Varieties
School Tours and Special Events
Integrated Pest Management
Research and Extension
Staff and Contact Information
Healthful Production
At the University of Massachusetts Cold Spring Orchard, we use the most environmentally friendly pest-management approaches available. Whenever possible non-chemical methods are used to reduce insect populations and control weeds. The orchard also applies calcium to apples and peaches while they are growing, helping the fruit stay fresh in storage and reducing the incidence of postharvest diseases. The calcium also supplies a nutritional bonus to those who consume the apples and peaches.
In the pick-your-own areas of the orchard, special care is taken to reduce the level of pesticide spraying and to use non-chemical alternatives even when they cost more.