This year, we are taking the first steps towards integrated plant protection. This means that we will fight biologically as much as possible and use chemical pesticides as little as possible. In this blog, you can read exactly what integrated pest management is and how we are going to work with it.
What is integrated pest management?
Integrated pest management or control means controlling biologically as much as possible and intervening with chemicals as little as possible. It is a method of crop protection that focuses on sustainability and plant health. This is because chemical pesticides are not only bad for the environment, they also inhibit plant growth. By controlling biologically as much as possible, we create a healthier environment for our plants and reduce our impact on the environment. We protect organically by using the natural enemies of pests to control them, but also, for instance, by maintaining hygiene in the company.
Scouting for pests
Integrated pest management involves a lot. For instance, it is important to have a good overview of the presence and extent of pests in our greenhouses. We use a scouting app to monitor this. Our trained staff can easily indicate in the app when and what kind of pests they observe. This way, we have a clear and up-to-date overview of our greenhouses and can take targeted action when needed.
Effectively protecting plants against thrips
Thrips are insects that can cause a lot of damage to plants. These pests are becoming increasingly resistant to chemical pesticides, which makes protecting plants difficult. We therefore choose to control thrips organically by using its natural enemies, such as the predatory mite (Transeius montdorensis). To properly and effectively protect plants susceptible to thrips, a biological pesticide containing predatory mites is spread through these plants.
Towards a greener future
Integrated pest management remains constantly evolving. New forms of control are constantly being found. Through research and a lot of testing, we will try to find even more biological solutions to control pests. We will of course keep you informed of new developments in this field.
You can read more about sustainability and our certifications here