MEDIA RELEASE 8 June 2010 Crop growers take an integrated approach to tackling pests Potato, onion and brassica growers in the Cradle Coast region are learning new ways to tackle old enemies through a series of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshops. The training sessions will help growers to identify pests and to develop strategies that integrate a range of defences including the crop’s beneficial insects, surrounding environment and traditional chemical control methods. Sessions have been organised by Cradle Coast NRM and Serve‐Ag in Latrobe, Penguin and Flowerdale during July and are open to primary producers, agronomists and field staff. Integrated Pest Management is a control strategy in which a variety of biological, chemical and cultural control practices are combined to give stable, long‐term pest control. IPM aims to maximise the use of biological control which refers to the role that beneficial insects and mites play as natural pest predators. Learning to identify and encourage these species is an important part of the workshop training. Cultural control addresses the surrounding environment such as removing weeds that are hosts to pests, crop rotation and timing of planting. The third line of defence with an IPM approach is chemical control which, as examples, considers pesticides with minimal affect on beneficial insects and uses chemicals in a supportive role rather than the main option. Anna Renkin, Land Coordinator at Cradle Coast NRM, says that land managers are increasingly using an integrated approach to pest control because of cost, quality and yield benefits. “Understanding all of the pests in a crop and how the surrounding environment interacts with crop health may sound complicated,” said Ms Renkin, “but with some simple tools and guidance from the specialist trainers it can be a very practical approach for growers to use.” The training will be delivered by Serve‐Ag with IPM Technologies’ Jessica Page and entomologist Paul Horne. Dr Horne was recognised as the Australian Vegetable Industry Award’s 2009 ‘Researcher of the Year’ for his work on Integrated Pest Management research, development and implementation. To ensure that the Cradle Coast growers are supported at key times in the crop cycle, the training participants will also have access to follow‐up workshops in Spring and Summer. Training will take place from 11am to 3pm in Latrobe on 1 July, Penguin on 14 July and Flowerdale on 15 July 2010. Registrations for IPM training can be made by calling Cradle Coast NRM on 6431 6285 or online at www.cradlecoastnrm.com End… Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM) works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. This initiative is supported by Cradle Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. Media Contact/s: Anna Renkin Land Coordinator, Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0429 166 949
Amanda Wilson Communications Manager, Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 03 6431 6285