INTEGRATED PEST MGMT

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

Fungus

Locust Coconut seedling roots Dip roots in Ridomil (fungicide) before planting

Vanilla leaves Spot treat infected leaves and immediate area with Regnum solution (fungicide)

Coconut leaves Hand pick to remove; crush