Integrated Pest Management In 2019 we enacted a zero-herbicide policy, only allowing for manual and mechanical brush clearing. We also implemented longer brush clearing cycles to retain water, prevent erosion, build soil organic matter, and reduce fuel use. In 2020, after 1 full year of operation, Silk Grass Farms decreased agri-chemical use by 78% from previous conventional management records. We accomplished this by implementing a zero-herbicide policy, and Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM), and by reducing fertilizer applications in the coconut fields.
Manual and mechanical clearing replace herbicide use.
Our IPM Plan uses preventative controls and strategic spot treatments, protecting our bee population and ecosystem from the harmful effects of pesticides.
PEST / DISEASE
CROP AFFECTED
TREATMENT
Coconut weevil
Heart of coconut palms
Mechanical trap with pheromone & sugar cane bait dipped in Lash (insecticide)
“Drunken baymen” Trigona spp.
All crops, young leaves
Locate and burn nest
Hairy Caterpillars
Citrus leaves/young vanilla shoots
Hand pick to remove; crush
Leafcutter ants
All crops; leaves
Locate and dig to open nest, spot treat with Sulban (insecticide)
Fungus
Coconut seedling roots
Dip roots in Ridomil (fungicide) before planting
Fungus
Vanilla leaves
Spot treat infected leaves and immediate area with Regnum solution (fungicide)
Locust
Coconut leaves
Hand pick to remove; crush
14 - Silk Grass Farms - Environmental Impact Strategy
