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The role of pesticides in environmentally sustainable farming The farming sector uses a variety of techniques and tools to protect crops from pests and to sustainably produce viable and robust crops. Pesticides are a crucial tool in sustainable farming. Strategies to reduce the amount of chemical residue on foods and within the environment remain a priority within the agricultural sector. Integrated Pest Management programs combine techniques to protect crop yield while upholding stewardship practices that ensure the improved sustainability of agricultural chemical use and protection of the environment.
Friend or foe on the farm? Farmers work alongside nature to fight off pests naturally by utilising biopesticide practices. Farmers have long known that planting certain flowers encourages specific
insects that will feed off the unwelcome pests that can impact crop yields and can even continue to impact future crop generations. Some species of ground beetles, dragonflies, lady beetles and some spiders eat destructive pests such as slugs, snails, mites and aphids. Recently, researchers at the United Kingdom-based Center for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) have been conducting a study to deepen their understanding of these useful predators. The study utilised strips of wild flowers that incorporated a variety of flowers with the purpose of attracting a broad community of predatory and patristic insects. Dr. Ben Woodcock at CEH notes, “Rather than just promoting predominantly ground-active predators, we need to support those in the canopy or those that target internal pests living in stems or seed pods.”
While these ‘friendly’ creepy crawlies can aid with the protection of crops and save resources, they aren’t able to replace the crucial need for pesticides entirely.
Pesticide formulations continue to improve Pesticide formulations have changed over time to water-based as opposed to petroleum- or organic solvent-based. Water-based pesticides allow farmers to increase the bio-efficacy of the products by reducing the amount of product used while increasing the coverage which means less wastage and smaller dose rates. The use of pesticides is essential for the successful production of both organic and conventional crops. Continued agricultural innovations further reduce ecological impacts of pesticides while assisting our farmers to produce safe and nutritious crops.
CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | SUMMER 2020
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