Oregon produces 99% of the hazelnuts grown in the US. Its biggest threat? The Filbertworm. This is what horticulture entomologists, like Natalie Lareau (she/her), are actively researching.
Natalie’s focus is on the Filbertworm’s flight and life stages. While the lab work is done at the Oregon Integrated Pest Management Center here in Corvallis, Natalie has two field work locations: One is at the USDA germplasm repository in Corvallis, and another is near the Willamette forest in Springfield.
This marks Natalie's second field season, meaning she has data from last year for comparison. “I sample shoots from hazelnut trees at the two sites…in order to scout for their immature life stages including egg and larva, as well as for damage on the leaves and on and within the nuts. By catching and recording this damage, we are able to get a better idea of when these pests are active and targeting hazelnut orchards.”
Her ultimate research goal is to better assist hazelnut growers in Oregon and across the US in targeting the pest. “This allows for a more updated and accurate model that allows growers to better target the pest without unnecessary spraying in their orchard that may disrupt the natural biodiversity.”