Fruit Pest Finder

Functionality & Mechanism

This digital field guide serves as a rapid-response resource for identifying and managing temperate fruit crop pests. Developed by programs associated with Utah State University Extension, the app catalogues over 70 insects and diseases relevant to the western U.S. The interface utilizes a filtered search engine—leveraging state, host plant, and affected part—to facilitate quick pest identification from a library of images and descriptions. It also provides detailed, annually updated management recommendations and profiles of common beneficial insects.

Development & Context

• The developers created a related app to provide Utah fruit growers with quick access to site-specific pest and weather information.
• The news coverage highlights that this other tool, Utah TRAPs, integrates data from local weather stations to forecast pest management timing.
• That app was designed to help growers optimize frost protection, irrigation, and pest control schedules.
• The related web-based tool has been relied on by several hundred fruit operators in the state.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is designed for fruit producers, growers, and agricultural professionals in the western United States. It functions as an informational field guide for identifying pests on crops like apple, pear, and cherry, with planned expansions to include berries and grapes. The management recommendations are based on extension program guidelines, not peer-reviewed efficacy studies.