Hortyfruta has resumed its "I Love Bugs" campaign to further educate producers on the implementation of biological control techniques. The latest event took place last week in El Ejido; this time, a hundred growers and technicians discussed progress in cucumber cultivation under plastic making use of these techniques.
David Meca, technical director of the Cajamar Experimental Station in Las Palmerillas, was in charge of moderating the session. In his speech, he highlighted a series of measures to facilitate its implementation as strategic developments in the biological control of cucumbers.
Meca talked about the food safety "achieved with the reduction of residue levels in the product." "Our production system," he added, "has come a long way when it comes to the sustainable use of pesticides, and we can now say that greenhouses are agro-ecosystems." In this sense, David Meca said the challenge is to "become a role model in terms of sustainability in Europe."
Technicians from all main firms operating in biological control in Almeria took part in the event to inform about the new products and treatments launched. Some of these included Agrobío, Koppert Biocolor and Biobest.
Key moment
Hortyfruta's campaign, which has the support of the European Union and the Government of Andalusia, is being held at a very special time, for two reasons: firstly, because growers have good reasons to strengthen their commitment to biological control at the beginning of the campaign, given the spread of the whitefly, as warned by the Andalusian Government and the agricultural organization COAG.
And secondly, as reported by ASAJA Almería, because of the entry into force in July of a new version of the Order establishing mandatory control measures of diseases in horticultural crops under cover (plastic, mesh or glass). This standard requires producers to make biological control a priority method in dealing with pests before deciding to use pesticides, which should always be used as a last resort and be compatible with biological control.
Furthermore, ASAJA reminded that next month the European Union is expected to approve the elimination of about 80 active ingredients used in the production of pesticides. "Given the increasingly restrictive scenario, it is essential to opt for more sustainable means to control diseases, and biological control is becoming the essential means to deal with pests and diseases affecting plants," pointed out the President of ASAJA-Almería, Francisco Vargas.
Source: lavozdealmeria.es