Integrated Crop Management -Technology Transfer

Background: Herbicides, fungicides and insecticides are used to varying degrees in commercial vegetable production in Tasmania. For the grower and consumer, any strategies that reduce the amounts used are considered desirable and beneficial. The market pressure on vegetable growers for either pesticide free produce or produce grown with reduced pesticide applications is increasing.

This project aims to examine organic vegetable production systems and identify and demonstrate strategies used by the organic grower to control weed, diseases and insects that may be applied in conventional vegetable production.

Objectives: To develop, test and document strategies used in organic production that can be readily transferred to conventional cropping and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides in conventional vegetable production.

Work undertaken to date: Three international Integrated Pest management (IPM) and organic study travels have been completed, and recommendations arising from the study tours have been incorporated into the demonstration phase of the project. A demonstration site has been established at Forthside Research Station (FRS).

Results to date: Travel reports have generated in excess of 40 recommendations for improved IPM/organic practices and have assisted the planning framework for field demonstration work. Improving IPM strategies for cabbage moth in brassicas and reduced herbicide input in onion will continue.

Technology transfer activities and plans: Demonstration trials will be conducted at FRS in the season of 2002/03 will demonstrate strategies to reduce the reliance of synthetic pesticides in onions and broccoli. To support this, guest speakers from New Zealand and Interstate colleagues will be invited to extend their knowledge and experience in integrated pest management at grower and industry field days.