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<OL> <LI> To conduct plant surveys in order to evaluate the current status of methyl bromide use by the dry cured pork industry and to determine the effectiveness of integrated pest management systems that are in use. <LI> Conduct on-site audits of ham processing facilities that both do and do not report problems with arthropod infestation in order to prepare a Best Practices Bulletin for the industry. <LI> To disseminate information to ham processors on how to reduce methyl bromide emissions. This objective will be accomplished through production of an extension bulletin and placing information gained from the survey and audits on the National Country Ham Association's webpage.
Non-Technical Summary: Project directors will conduct plant audits and surveys to determine how to best prevent insect infestation in dry cured hams as well as to determine possible fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide for the control of these pests. Researchers will use this information to determine the best combined approach to preventing insect infestations in dry cured hams as well as future research projects to help reduce methyl bromide use in the dry cured ham industry. <P> Approach: Project directors will develop survey and audit forms pertaining to integrated pest management, sanitation, and fumigation practices. On site audits will then be conducted as a group at plants that both do and do not report problems with ham mite infestations as well as plants that do not utilize methyl bromide as part of their integrated pest management program. Individual project directors will then conduct further audits in their geographical region to elucidate as much information about methyl bromide utilization and ham mite infestations. Based on information gained from the surveys audits, project directors will determine the extent of the problem with ham mite and beetle infestation, the preventative measures that can be taken to prevent infestation, as well as other potential means that may be utilized to reduce the use of methyl bromide. This information will be combined together to determine a hurdle approach to integrated pest management to help processors best control infestations and determine potential alternatives to methyl bromide utilization. This information will also allow for appropriate research projects that can test potential alternative fumigants as well as other pest management procedures that appear useful in preventing the infestation of ham mites and beetles.