Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible
Farmer's Weekly|October 18, 2024
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm's uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
Lindi Botha
Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible

"Ah, there goes a butterfly. That's a good sign," says André du Toit, general manager of Kleinberg Kriegler Farms in De Doorns in the Western Cape. He is standing between his vines where table grapes are produced using an integrated pest management (IPM) programme.

This relies on synthetic chemicals for crop protection early in the season, moving to biological products later to ensure the produce meets maximum residue level (MRL) regulations and to reduce the negative impact of the former on the ecosystem.

The presence of insects like bees and butterflies bodes well for the farm - it indicates that pesticide levels are in check, rather than being so abundant nothing can survive. Achieving this balance between pests and beneficial insects is, however, no mean feat, but one that is certainly becoming easier to pull off.

"The developments taking place regarding biological pest control have been really exciting," says Du Toit. "We're able to achieve 100% control of mealybug using an IPM programme, which means we meet MRL regulations while nurturing the natural resources of the farm.

"At the start of the season, we use a systemic insecticide to get a knockdown effect on mealybug. Once fruit is nearing harvest, we send in parasitic wasps, which takes care of any remaining mealybugs but obviously does not result in a chemical residue on the fruit.

Considering that mealybug can wipe out 30% of your yield, it's a huge advantage to have effective, robust tools like these," he explains.

Kleinberg Kriegler has been using biologicals since 2000. Du Toit notes the progress in the industry: "Ten years ago, around 40% of our crop protection a month before harvest would have been biological. Today, it is just over 80%."

THE RIGHT APPROACH

Such success bodes well for the industry.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView all
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
Farmer's Weekly

ARC names best dairy producers of the year

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
Farmer's Weekly

Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?

The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Farmer's Weekly

Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax

Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
Farmer's Weekly

Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives

This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Farmer's Weekly

Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 06, 2024
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
Farmer's Weekly

How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer

While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 06, 2024
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Farmer's Weekly

Living the 'culture' in agriculture

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06, 2024
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Farmer's Weekly

Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg

Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 06, 2024
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Farmer's Weekly

African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them

Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06, 2024
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
Farmer's Weekly

An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA

South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06, 2024