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PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL
This is one
of the most critical elements in export horticulture: -
-
because of the need for producers to deliver unblemished top quality
vegetables which satisfy the demands of European markets;
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because of fears of pesticide residues through improper use of agrochemicals,
which can put food safety at risk.
Wherever
possible Integrated Pest Management methods should be used. IPM methods
are a combination of: -
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cultural methods (e.g. crop rotations to prevent build up of pests,
buffer strips to reduce their spread);
- biological
controls (e.g. introduction of natural enemies of insect or bacterial
pests which destroy or limit the impact of the pests); and
-
chemical methods (insecticidal and other crop sprays) which should be
used only as a last resort because of the environmental risks and high
costs involved.
If
agrochemical sprays have to be applied: -
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only approved formulations should be used;
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finance should be available to enable farmers to obtain the required
quantities of agrochemical, application equipment and protective clothing;
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training and advice should be provided to ensure that recommended application
procedures and controls are rigorously followed;
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chemical applications should be carefully recorded to allow any errors
to be accurately traced to their source;
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greatest care should be taken with disposal of empty containers or outdated
chemicals.
More
Information: Safe use of agrochemicals;
pest and disease control websites.
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