The challenge
Plant diseases and pests
Crop yields can be significantly reduced by pests. Protecting crops more effectively and with innovative methods will not only help improve crop yields, but can also improve environmental health by reducing the application of pesticides.
Reducing the use of pesticides is also important as an increasing number of pests are developing resistance to chemical pest control.
Worldwide, more than 500 species of insects, mites, and spiders have developed some level of pesticide resistance.
Our response
Integrated pest management
We’re applying our expertise to develop more effective and sustainable pest control strategies.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective combination of a wide range of management methods including plant resistance, refuge crops and effective sampling to name just a few.
It is an ecosystem approach to crop production and protection that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimise the use of pesticides.
IPM control methods include, but are not limited to:
- plant resistance
- plant choice for refuge or trap crops
- biological control including predators, beneficial pests and pathogens
- pheromone control
- physical barriers and traps
- fallow management
- tolerance of non-economic damage
- effective monitoring and pest control thresholds
- chemical control (as a last resort).