Saturday 26 May 2012
Headlines
Did you find this story interesting? (0) (0)
13/02/2008 21:57:10
Growers face early start to Myzus pest migration
The ADAS Syngenta Vegetable Conference this week (12 February 2008) sought to provide field vegetable and potato growers with forward looking guidance and immediate practical advice on coping with climate change and creating sustainable businesses.
Potato, sugar beet and vegetable growers must be ready for an early attack of Myzus persicae again this year, predicts aphid expert Dr Richard Harrington of Rothamsted Research. And it is a trend that is set to continue with climate warming, he reported. Official forecasts will be issued at the end of February, but the mild conditions so far make early aphid movement look likely.
Speaking at the ADAS Syngenta Vegetable Industry Conference this week (12 February) he highlighted the threat for potato growers is getting worse, since BPC figures reveal potato planting is, on average, getting later while aphid flights are getting earlier. "Crops will be at a younger stage when Myzus populations invade, with new growth more vulnerable to virus transmission and damage," he warned.
Dr Harrington calculates that with the 2ºC increase in average temperature conservatively predicted by global warming experts - and already experienced over recent winter months - Myzus persicae will start infestations a month earlier than normal and go through an additional four to five generations per year.
"Asexually reproducing Myzus will give birth to live young, which themselves already contain embryonic offspring and are ready to further reproduce in less than a week at optimum temperatures. There is the potential to create up to 18 generations per season, multiplying 50 times with each generation."
Syngenta Technical Manager, Michael Tait, highlighted that additional generations of Myzus further increase the risk of developing resistance to insecticides, demanding a more robust strategy for growers to counter the threat.
Myzus persicae is the only aphid species in potatoes to develop insecticide resistance. Monitoring of Myzus populations by Rothamsted Research shows that resistance to carbamates (MACE) is at a high level, and that growers should look for alternative products, such as pymetrozine, where possible. Mr Tait added that resistance to pyrethroids (kdr resistance) has stabilised, and in many situations pyrethroids remain highly effective. The reduced use of organophosphorus products has resulted in a sharp reduction in the occurrence of individuals showing high levels of esterase resistance (R2 & R3).
"The good news for growers is that there are sufficient insecticide options to cope through the season, with effective rotation to minimise the risk of resistance developing," he advised. "Rotation of the different chemical groups is the key, incorporating the new option of Actara where there is no known resistance, and Plenum with its unique mode of action in pymetrozine."
Climate change will have a dramatic effect on vegetable and potato pest populations in the future, according to Dr Richard Harrington. Mealy Cabbage Aphid can be expected to be much more of a problem, whilst Cabbage Root Fly may increase as a problem with each generation appearing earlier and three generations occurring in the few remaining areas and years which currently have two.
Diamond Back Moth may also increase problems if it is able to over winter in milder conditions, but the damage caused by Turnip Moth could be reduced if heavy spring rains become more normal since they will kill the larvae. Dr Harrington also warns potato growers that it may be increasingly difficult to keep out Colorado Beetle if conditions continue to warm up.
Vegetables cut the carbon footprint
Eating a healthier diet - including more vegetables - could be the recipe to cut the UK's carbon footprint, according to Sue Riddlestone, Director of the One-Planet Living Initiative. "Food currently accounts for an average 21% of every individual's carbon footprint, compared to 22% from housing. If the UK is to meet its targets for reduction, then it is clearly an area that needs to be addressed," she told delegates of the ADAS Syngenta Vegetable Conference.
She highlighted that meat and dairy products carry a high ecological cost, accounting for 29% and 24% of the ecological footprint of food. Potatoes and fresh vegetables, however, are much lower and account for just 2% of an average person's ecological footprint.
Switching to a healthy diet, with less meat and dairy product and fully meeting the five a day vegetable commitment could lower your carbon footprint by 15% - and give a healthier lifestyle, she calculates. Some of the greatest savings could be achieved through better management of waste - in reducing the fact that up to 40% of food purchased by consumers is thrown away and reducing waste in the food supply chain.
For growers, research shows that the reduction in carbon footprint can be successfully delivered through conventional farming routes using Integrated Crop Management to minimise inputs. Studies have shown little or no saving in the ecological footprint from organic production, since the extra land required offsets any saving in carbon emissions to leave the footprint unchanged.
Retailer seeks realistic sustainable route
Alan Wilson, Head of Agronomy for Waitrose, believes that sustainability is a much bigger issue than the carbon footprint alone, including maintaining the viability of growers and the rural economy. He reported that the retailer will be instigating a carbon footprint policy with its growers in the UK and globally: "but only when it is a fully reasoned and providing real solutions for our grower suppliers and consumer customers."
Mr Wilson says there are some marketing advantages for retailers in being able to utilise the potential for decreasing C02, but remains adamant that it must be achieved without making things too difficult for growers.
Waitrose exclusive potato suppliers, Solanum, has already instigated a series of measures to assure sustainability routes among its 45 potato growers, including addressing cropping, agronomy and environmental issues, according to Technical Director, Simon Bowen.
He points out that on-farm production accounts for nearly 60% of the total C02 emissions of potatoes from field to plate, with 38% of that in the storage phase. "New technologies can have a major impact in reducing levels, but we also have to make sure we are doing all existing activities as effectively and efficiently as possible."
Dr Bowen highlights the company's Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) rating of pesticide products as an example of a progressive way to help growers manage crops more sustainably and in-line with retail customers' requirements. The system scores pesticides on a range of issues from active ingredient rates to environmental effects and operator safety. In 2003 nearly a quarter of growers had an EIQ score of over 400 per hectare, but by 2006 30% of its growers had the EIQ score down to less than 150.
"The average did increase significantly in 2007, but we have to be realistic enough to recognise the season's incredible blight pressure and need for growers to respond," reported Dr Bowen. He points out the system encourages the use of "new, softer, chemistry" such as Revus with a very low EIQ of 3, compared to older blight products with scores of up to 28 per application.
Other impending issues of sustainability being addressed by Solanum include water management, utilising the full crop to avoid waste by introducing new product lines and developing processed potato products, tackling the increased levels of wireworm, nematodes and Rhizoctonia caused by climate change conditions, along with a new biodiversity benchmarking initiative.
"We believe that UK growers do have a very strong story to tell. We need to ensure that we manage the changing practices effectively, and mange consumer awareness of the impacts that those c
Potato, sugar beet and vegetable growers must be ready for an early attack of Myzus persicae again this year, predicts aphid expert Dr Richard Harrington of Rothamsted Research. And it is a trend that is set to continue with climate warming, he reported. Official forecasts will be issued at the end of February, but the mild conditions so far make early aphid movement look likely.
Speaking at the ADAS Syngenta Vegetable Industry Conference this week (12 February) he highlighted the threat for potato growers is getting worse, since BPC figures reveal potato planting is, on average, getting later while aphid flights are getting earlier. "Crops will be at a younger stage when Myzus populations invade, with new growth more vulnerable to virus transmission and damage," he warned.
Dr Harrington calculates that with the 2ºC increase in average temperature conservatively predicted by global warming experts - and already experienced over recent winter months - Myzus persicae will start infestations a month earlier than normal and go through an additional four to five generations per year.
"Asexually reproducing Myzus will give birth to live young, which themselves already contain embryonic offspring and are ready to further reproduce in less than a week at optimum temperatures. There is the potential to create up to 18 generations per season, multiplying 50 times with each generation."
Syngenta Technical Manager, Michael Tait, highlighted that additional generations of Myzus further increase the risk of developing resistance to insecticides, demanding a more robust strategy for growers to counter the threat.
Myzus persicae is the only aphid species in potatoes to develop insecticide resistance. Monitoring of Myzus populations by Rothamsted Research shows that resistance to carbamates (MACE) is at a high level, and that growers should look for alternative products, such as pymetrozine, where possible. Mr Tait added that resistance to pyrethroids (kdr resistance) has stabilised, and in many situations pyrethroids remain highly effective. The reduced use of organophosphorus products has resulted in a sharp reduction in the occurrence of individuals showing high levels of esterase resistance (R2 & R3).
"The good news for growers is that there are sufficient insecticide options to cope through the season, with effective rotation to minimise the risk of resistance developing," he advised. "Rotation of the different chemical groups is the key, incorporating the new option of Actara where there is no known resistance, and Plenum with its unique mode of action in pymetrozine."
Climate change will have a dramatic effect on vegetable and potato pest populations in the future, according to Dr Richard Harrington. Mealy Cabbage Aphid can be expected to be much more of a problem, whilst Cabbage Root Fly may increase as a problem with each generation appearing earlier and three generations occurring in the few remaining areas and years which currently have two.
Diamond Back Moth may also increase problems if it is able to over winter in milder conditions, but the damage caused by Turnip Moth could be reduced if heavy spring rains become more normal since they will kill the larvae. Dr Harrington also warns potato growers that it may be increasingly difficult to keep out Colorado Beetle if conditions continue to warm up.
Vegetables cut the carbon footprint
Eating a healthier diet - including more vegetables - could be the recipe to cut the UK's carbon footprint, according to Sue Riddlestone, Director of the One-Planet Living Initiative. "Food currently accounts for an average 21% of every individual's carbon footprint, compared to 22% from housing. If the UK is to meet its targets for reduction, then it is clearly an area that needs to be addressed," she told delegates of the ADAS Syngenta Vegetable Conference.
She highlighted that meat and dairy products carry a high ecological cost, accounting for 29% and 24% of the ecological footprint of food. Potatoes and fresh vegetables, however, are much lower and account for just 2% of an average person's ecological footprint.
Switching to a healthy diet, with less meat and dairy product and fully meeting the five a day vegetable commitment could lower your carbon footprint by 15% - and give a healthier lifestyle, she calculates. Some of the greatest savings could be achieved through better management of waste - in reducing the fact that up to 40% of food purchased by consumers is thrown away and reducing waste in the food supply chain.
For growers, research shows that the reduction in carbon footprint can be successfully delivered through conventional farming routes using Integrated Crop Management to minimise inputs. Studies have shown little or no saving in the ecological footprint from organic production, since the extra land required offsets any saving in carbon emissions to leave the footprint unchanged.
Retailer seeks realistic sustainable route
Alan Wilson, Head of Agronomy for Waitrose, believes that sustainability is a much bigger issue than the carbon footprint alone, including maintaining the viability of growers and the rural economy. He reported that the retailer will be instigating a carbon footprint policy with its growers in the UK and globally: "but only when it is a fully reasoned and providing real solutions for our grower suppliers and consumer customers."
Mr Wilson says there are some marketing advantages for retailers in being able to utilise the potential for decreasing C02, but remains adamant that it must be achieved without making things too difficult for growers.
Waitrose exclusive potato suppliers, Solanum, has already instigated a series of measures to assure sustainability routes among its 45 potato growers, including addressing cropping, agronomy and environmental issues, according to Technical Director, Simon Bowen.
He points out that on-farm production accounts for nearly 60% of the total C02 emissions of potatoes from field to plate, with 38% of that in the storage phase. "New technologies can have a major impact in reducing levels, but we also have to make sure we are doing all existing activities as effectively and efficiently as possible."
Dr Bowen highlights the company's Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) rating of pesticide products as an example of a progressive way to help growers manage crops more sustainably and in-line with retail customers' requirements. The system scores pesticides on a range of issues from active ingredient rates to environmental effects and operator safety. In 2003 nearly a quarter of growers had an EIQ score of over 400 per hectare, but by 2006 30% of its growers had the EIQ score down to less than 150.
"The average did increase significantly in 2007, but we have to be realistic enough to recognise the season's incredible blight pressure and need for growers to respond," reported Dr Bowen. He points out the system encourages the use of "new, softer, chemistry" such as Revus with a very low EIQ of 3, compared to older blight products with scores of up to 28 per application.
Other impending issues of sustainability being addressed by Solanum include water management, utilising the full crop to avoid waste by introducing new product lines and developing processed potato products, tackling the increased levels of wireworm, nematodes and Rhizoctonia caused by climate change conditions, along with a new biodiversity benchmarking initiative.
"We believe that UK growers do have a very strong story to tell. We need to ensure that we manage the changing practices effectively, and mange consumer awareness of the impacts that those c
No Comments
Nobody has posted any comments on this story.
|
Farming items for Sale
|
Case IH CX100, Deluxe Cab, 2wd - Ballyclare(GBP 12300)
Massey Ferguson 290 - Denbigh
(Price on Application)
(Price on Application)
Massey Ferguson 6490-4 - Cirencester
(Price on Application)
(Price on Application)
Ford 6710 Tractor - Swindon(GBP 4250)
2001 New Holland TM 125 - Ballyclare(GBP 16750)
Related News
Brassica growers alert to pest attacks - 05 Sep 2010Rising caterpillar numbers continue to threaten brassica crop quality. After the slow start in crop growth during dull August conditions, damage now c...
Start early with Signum for quality lettuce production - 12 Apr 2008The protectant fungicide Signum can be used in outdoor and protected lettuce from the 1st of April onwards and will be a good choice for the control o...
Early start for disease control for quality lettuce production - 07 May 2009An early start to disease control in lettuce will pay dividends and is essential if growers are to satisfy the high demands of the retailer and packer...
Early start essential to reduce insect burden on livestock - 19 Mar 2012An early start to controlling insects around livestock gives the best chance of minimising the annual population explosion of flies and midges that be...
Early rust infections now appearing, wheat growers are warned - 05 Dec 2009BE aware of early rust infections now appearing in winter wheat crops, growers are being warned. According to Syngenta field technical manager Chr...
Growers face second year of high lodging risks - 21 Feb 2007FOR the second year running winter cereal growers could be staring down the barrel of high lodging pressures this season unless proven control measure...
Growers face difficult decisions with post-emergence residuals in OSR - 29 Nov 2011Weather conditions are not quite right for post-emergence residual herbicides in winter oilseed rape, but the risk of not getting them on is posing a ...
The earliest crop means an early harvest and ideal entry for wheat - 06 Jun 2009A farmer in West Yorkshire is celebrating the fact that his crop of Alienor was one of the earliest to flower in the UK and his reward was not only a ...
A modern day migration - 25 Jan 2008Scottish Wild Harvest founder, Andrew Hamilton, is currently visiting to Scotland and last night enjoyed a Burns' Supper at Prestonfield Hotel in ...
Sarkozy sees energy, migration, agriculture as EU presidency priorities - 05 Feb 2008Energy and climate policies, migration, agriculture and security will be the priorities of France's half-year rotating presidency of the European ...
