Episode 16 - Understanding the puzzle of pest control

Globally old chemistry is being withdrawn from the market and being more selective is encouraged for both avoiding insecticide & pesticide resistance whilst also bringing down onfarm costs. 

 

So how do you control pests without relying on an overuse of pesticides? Three science experts believe there is a major knowledge gap on pests and  diseases in pasture, forage and cereal crops.

 

They say not everything that is an insect is a pest and there is a way to target the actual pests without a broad spectrum approach through the concept of integrated pest management (IPM).

 

Guests include:

1. Dr. Paul Horne, entomologist, IPM Technologies (Australia)
2. Nicole Morris, technical specialist, Corteva Agriscience
3. Kwasi Adusei-Fosu, science team leader, AgResearch 

Hosts:

1. Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
2. Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

 

Australian IPM expert, Dr. Paul Horne, shares with Sarah how widespread and common beneficial insects are. They are already resident in your crop so why not use them to your advantage? Paul’s team tests chemical controls in his laboratory for their impact on beneficial insects and works closely with reseller agronomists to educate them to provide better advice.

Global agrochemical company, Corteva Agriscience are supportive of a lighter touch explains Nicole Morris. She wants to ensure that there isn’t unnecessary insecticide use and how IPM is the environmentally friendly, common sense approach.

Rebecca hears from AgResearch science team leader Kwasi Adusei-Fosu who wants a hand to understand the knowledge gap among farmers in awareness and understanding about current diseases and the impact they are having on pastures.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• NZ Merino Wool Classer scholarship 

Applications are open for the 2024 NZM Wool Classer Scholarship Programme

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is offering an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming wool classers who have completed their classing certification (P Stencil). This is a unique chance to gain practical experience under highly-skilled classers in quality merino sheds.

 

Successful applicants will complete a customised training programme designed to hone their fine wool classing skills while providing a well-rounded education in wool harvesting, right through to market delivery of the product. Alongside hands-on skills, they will build an understanding and appreciation of NZM’s ZQ Standard, forward contracts, and the administration requirements to be a successful classer in the industry.

 

Trainees will be guided by two very experienced classing mentors and, as well as a payment to assist in covering travel costs, they’ll be equipped with a resource kit and a customised set of ZQ apparel.

To apply head to https://www.nzmerino.co.nz/nz-merino-wool-classer-scholarship.

 

• Learn about FAR's arable research every week by listening to Cut the Crop Podcast

• AgResearch’s Pasture Pathogen Survey 

The pasture pathogen survey, which will take no more than 10 minutes to complete, can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YR68GHJ. Those who participate will go into a draw to win one of five $100 Prezzy cards. Closes end of April 2024.

 

Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ 

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