2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Fruit bagging is a simple method used to protect fruit from pests and diseases. It is very popular among backyard gardeners in Asia and there is an increasing interest in the U.S. As a consequence of a peach bagging project at Clemson University, over three hundred individual consumers have purchased fruit bags from Clemson University for their own fruit crops. The goal of this research was to survey small growers and backyard gardeners across the U.S. to find out how they implemented the bags into their farming/gardening. A survey was performed online that consisted of five specific questions regarding the type of crop that was bagged, application of chemical sprays on the fruit crop, the state each individual was located in, their success rate, and overall happiness with the fruit quality. There was a thirty-five percent response rate. Results showed that most consumers used the bags on peaches, although other fruits such as apples, pears, grapes and tomatoes were also bagged. A high percentage did not spray any fungicide or insecticide (synthetic or organic) on their fruit before placing the bags due to concerns about pesticides. Twenty-eight percent reported a 75-100% success rate, with particularly high rates being in warm, dry climates. Forty-two percent reported their success rate from 0-25%. Many commented that this was because they lost their 2018 crop due to weather conditions.