Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with biological solutions as a key success factor, combines different strategies to add value to crops. Applying an IPM strategy helps farmers create an environment that is favorable for plant development and highly unfavorable for pests and diseases.
The integrated management's unique approach places special emphasis on preventing pests before they become major problems and results in a more effective long-term approach to pest management. The application of IPM in the cultivation strategy has many advantages, from economic efficiency to reduced health risks.
1. Economic efficiency
IPM plays a vital role in enhancing economic efficiency in agriculture. It encourages a strategic assessment of the economic threshold, i.e. the point where the costs of implementing biocontrol are justified by the economic losses caused by a pest or disease. This strategy promotes smart resource use, maximizing the effectiveness of pest management efforts from an economic perspective.
Integrated Pest Management employs a proactive and targeted strategy for optimal resource allocation, enabling precise interventions and empowering farmers to avoid unnecessary and costly treatments through monitoring, contributing to long-term economic savings by preventing potential pest infestations before they become severe. The adaptability of IPM to diverse environments and pest scenarios allows producers to customize strategies based on specific conditions. This flexibility increases economic efficiency by tailoring pest management approaches to the specific challenges of each situation.
An additional advantage of working with an IPM approach is that farmers create a more robust system that makes it easier to address crop needs in a balanced way. This contributes to reducing the impact of factors, such as drought and salinity.
2. Resistance management
IPM also plays a crucial role in resistance management by employing a multi-faceted approach to pest control. Integrating various control methods, such as biological controls, cultural practices, and occasional use of pesticides compatible with auxiliary fauna, reduces selective pressure on pest populations. By incorporating biological control measures, IPM prevents pests from developing resistance. Without the application of biocontrol solutions, there is no IPM strategy, which is essential for resistance management.
3. Tighter regulations
As phytosanitary regulations tighten, more and more chemicals are banned and farmers no longer have many of the chemical tools they have traditionally used at their disposal. If farmers adopt IPM now, they will have a head start in facing a future without certain chemicals. In addition, supermarkets are increasing requirements for maximum residue levels (MRLs) in fresh foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
4. Reducing health risks
One of the most important advantages of IPM is that it reduces health risks. IPM mitigates the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals because it prioritizes non-chemical control methods minimizing reliance on pesticides. Minimizing the use of harmful chemicals benefits farmers and their families, farmworkers, and consumers who now have a safer working and living environment.
5. Return on Investment
Farmers who adopt Koppert's biological solutions can trust that each product has been thoroughly tested in controlled, real-life environments. In addition, Koppert helps them see that their IPM strategy is commercially viable. The company does not simply arrive at the farmer's door with 20 new solutions to replace the ones he already has. Koppert's holistic approach is based on introducing a solution, monitoring the results, and demonstrating that it provides added value, through on-farm trials that compare the results achieved by Koppert's solutions with the performance of the solutions the farmer has traditionally used.
6. Biodiversity and soil health
Beneficial organisms and insects play a crucial role in pest and disease control. Using biocontrol solutions ensures that these beneficial insects and organisms are maintained. This creates a natural balance that helps to keep the number of pests and various diseases under control. This approach reduces the need for chemical pesticides and contributes to creating favorable environmental conditions. In addition, it can be more targeted, minimizing the impact on non-target species.
In short, integrated pest management (IPM) stands out as a practical and cost-effective solution. By carefully considering economic thresholds and promoting targeted interventions, IPM not only optimizes resources but also reduces the costs of chemical pesticide treatments. Its focus on sustainability ensures long-term benefits, making it a key player in meeting the demands of supermarket chains. Choosing GIP is not only a smart decision, it is a commitment to a balanced and prosperous future for crops, which aligns with economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.
For more information:
Koppert
www.koppert.es