Improving knowledge and experience of integrated pest control of soft fruit in Wales to reduce pesticide application and wastage

Biological pest control has become standard practice for many larger horticulture farms supplying supermarkets, but it is not yet common practice for many smaller fruit growers in Wales. Biological control is the use of natural predators, parasites, bacteria, and sometimes plants to control pests and weeds as part of an integrated pest management programme, mainly in greenhouses and polytunnels. Many small scale fruit growers are interested in utilising this method to reduce their use of conventional pesticides and reduce the chance of pests developing resistance to these pesticides. The main hurdle for the small scale growers is the lack of knowledge and understanding on how to recognise pests, what biological controls are available, how best to use them, and how to integrate them into an existing pest and disease control programme. This project will trial the establishment of different biological pest control strategies on two commercial fruit farms in south west Wales, with a combined growing area of about 1.3ha. 

The project will run for two years from January 2020 to December 2021.

The growers, will work closely with experts to develop a programme that will suit their growing systems. The exact methods used will be identified on the basis of what pests are present on each site, however a minimum of four pests are expected to be targeted. The growers will receive training on pest identification, monitoring methods, and biological control options on an ongoing basis.  At the end of the project, best practice recommendations for the wider sector will be produced.

Project details

Funding amount:
£40,000
Funding source:
EIP
Area:
Pembrokeshire
Completion:
Improving knowledge and experience of integrated pest control of soft fruit in Wales to reduce pesticide application and wastage

Contact:

Name:
Will John
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