Crop protection toolbox
Last year we collaborated on an article in the Fruitteelt. Several trends can be observed in the sector.
- Rise of exotic insects;
- Impoverishment of the resource base;
- Changes in climate. More intense precipitation.
In our last newsletter we discussed the rise of several insects that threaten the harvest. In this article we write about the impoverishment of the insecticide package. The EFM (European Fruit Magazine) writes in NR.1 2022 that it is five minutes past twelve. It is an increasing challenge to be able to protect against diseases and pests. In a webinar by the New Harvest about the 'Green deal' it can be seen that by 2030 50% of the use of agents must be reduced. It concerns all crop protection products. Both pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. The Green deal and the so-called from 'Farmer to Fork Strategy' (Farm to Fork Strategy) is an initial framework set up by the European Union. Countries now have the opportunity to provide input on this. The Netherlands is providing the 2020/2030 implementation programme for this. This has been agreed by a broad coalition.
European plant protection policy
The new crop protection policy is already making deep inroads says Jolanda Wijsmuller. What is taking place now is already more intense than what is coming our way. If you look at the last 3 years, a good 100 new chemicals have been evaluated. 25% only survive the assessment at this point. There are still 280 substances to be re-evaluated before 2025. If this pattern continues we will only have 130 chemical active substances left in 2025. Very drastic changes at a time when major changes are already underway. The toolbox is getting smaller and emptier.
Solutions
Opportunities can certainly be mentioned as well. Innovations do not stand still and we can observe several developments:
- Use of Technologies | Place-specific control.
- Monitoring techniques | Drones and sensor techniques.
- Decision support techniques | More and more data available and software that can provide advice.
- Use of natural enemies | Already widely used in greenhouse horticulture and more and more in fruit cultivation.
- Protective covers | Trial with apples and pears under foil and emission reduction by closed covers.
More innovations are needed to keep an economically viable fruit crop possible. FruitSecurity Holland is committed to not shying away from these major challenges. Innovation is needed more than ever.