Pressure is mounting on farmers to reduce their chemical applications on crops. Subtropical crops such as avocados, macadamias and citrus are especially vulnerable to changing legislation, as they are dependent on export markets. Most notably, the EU, where much of these crops are marketed, has called for a 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030.
To maintain market access, producers need to increasingly incorporate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which focus more on the natural control of pests.
Schalk Schoeman, research extension manager at Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC), says that farmers need to start planning for a future where crop protection chemicals are not part of the picture.
“All broad-spectrum products or those that have an effect on bees will be out. Much of what we currently use for stink bug control falls into this category, as do products like imidacloprid, which is used to control thrips on citrus and macadamias.
“At this stage, it will be very difficult for the macadamia industry to comply with a 50% reduction in pesticide. Making changes now in the way we control pests is crucial to ensure that when we reach 2030, we already have effective, sustainable and compliant methods in place.”
FAST FACTS
Cover crops can lure pests out of the orchard.
By planting the right mix, farmers can save on herbicides and fertilisers.
The more diverse the cover crop mix, the better the health of the orchard.
Denne historien er fra February 18, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra February 18, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
