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Abstract
In contrast to conventional pecan management, there are fewer options for pest management in organic pecan, Carya illinoinensis (Wangenheim) K. Koch, due to the stricter regulations on the compounds that can be used. Thus, our study focused on seeking insect control methods for organic pecan. The applications of some OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and non-OMRI approved biopesticides were investigated for pecan aphid complex suppression and fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea (Drury)) control. The effects of cool-season and warm-season intercrop planting on the enhancement of pecan aphid complex biological control were evaluated in the pecan orchard. The trail blocking and foraging disruption experiments of the secondary predators, Argentine ant (Linepithema humile (Mayr)) and red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta (Buren)) were conducted. The results of our study could provide organic growers with some viable insect control methods, and also offer some ideas for future organic pecan research.