Give your orchards the health coverage they deserve

Cover crops are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they maintain soil moisture and improve soil health, but they are a valuable tool for reducing pest loads in subtropical orchards. By planting specific species, farmers can reduce their pesticide bill and meet the crop safety requirements of their markets. Lindi Botha reports.

- Lindi Botha

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.