Control Methods
Measurements on how to protect your plants
Pest and Disease Control
Biological Control Methods
This method of natural control involves the use of live predatory insects, beneficial nematodes and microbial pathogens to suppress populations of different pest insects, diseases and weed control populations. Biological control is used as component of an integrated pest management strategy. It is defined as the reduction of pest populations and diseases by natural enemies and typically involves an active human role. This method is viewed as a positive alternative to the use of both synthetic and natural chemicals for controlling pests and diseases.
Cultural Control Methods
Organic Pest and Disease Management strategies require good conscientious observation, knowledge of pest and disease lifecycles, tolerance for minimal damage and above all patience.
- Encourage beneficial insects and creatures
- Create Beneficial Habitats
- Establish a balanced crop Rotation plan
- Encourage Diversity – Mixed cropping and companion planting; avoid monoculture
- Sow pest and disease resistant varieties
- Strategic planting dates
- Healthy transplants
- Suit plants to site and soil
- Good hygiene practices
- Physical barriers and insect traps
Chemical Control Methods
As we have mentioned above there are clearly many alternatives to consider before reaching for the sprayer and chemicals. Where as a last resort the use of chemical pesticides is essential, plant-derived substances are available, which have short persistence and low toxicity to birds and mammals. These and other pesticides should always be used with full regard to the product recommendations and to the possible effects on beneficial organisms.
Many botanical pesticides include chemical compounds, essential oils and other mixed ingredients which are normally extracted from plants and purified in some manner to obtain the natural active ingredient. This is then usually formulated in a way in which it can be delivered to the crop, often as a dust or spray, with the aim of killing or modifying the behaviour of the pest or pathogen.
Some organic growers feel that the need to regularly use such products indicates that there are ecosystem deficiencies on the holding. Although natural pesticides are less harmful or persistent than other synthetic pesticides they will treat the symptom and not the cause of the pest or disease.
Garlic spray is the one exception. It only masks the smell of host plants so that pests find it less attractive or get confused. Research has also shown that the use of garlic spray strengthens the plants so that they become more resistant to attack.
Preparing a Garlic spray
Materials used:
- 12 garlic gloves (1 bulb)
- 1 litre of water
- washing up liquid
Preparation:
- Crush and add the garlic gloves into water and boil for about 5 minutes
- Cool and strain the liquid, store in the fridge
- Dilute the liquid to 1 Tbsp per litre
Application procedure:
- Spray on the plants and the soil around the plant
- Use a hand-held trigger sprayer for smaller areas or a pressure sprayer for larger areas. It can be pressurised manually through pumping
- Wear rubber gloves during the process
- Clean and dry the nozzle and filters after each use
- Do not apply the spray when it is windy as it can spread into areas where it is not needed or wanted
- Pick the ripe fruit or vegetables first and remove any weeds
- Dress appropriately, wear long sleeved shirts and pants
- Ensure the equipment is working properly
- Only mix as much garlic spray as you need for the area that needs to be covered
- Best to apply in the mornings or evenings
- Apply thoroughly on the upper and lower leaf surfaces and the soil around the plant. In case of an accident make sure a first aid kit or running water is close by