Integrated pest management (IPM)

The main aim of IPM is to reduce the infestation of any pest below the threshold of damage. Purchasing chemical pesticides is often too expensive for subsistence farmers. Nevertheless, some form of pest control is still vital, since a serious infestation can lead to a total loss of harvest. In this regard, the project promotes applying IPM, which requires permanent monitoring of the fields’ phytosanitary status, so that adequate measures are taken timely. For ensuring a resilient orchard in the first place, phytosanitary measures and biological pest control should be applied.  Phytosanitary measures imply using certified seedlings, free from pests and diseases. Adequate pruning is important, for removing branches infested by die-back, and for prevention of diseases like mildew, as the leaves dry soon after rainfall or dew. During a pest outbreak, homemade insecticides can be prepared by mixing spices (chilli, garlic, onion, etc.) or toxic plants (walnut, tobacco, etc.) with soap, alcohol or oil. They can be applied for controlling insects, like aphids, thrips, and mites. Another measure for controlling pests consists of providing sources of fodder and hideouts for their natural enemies.

Pests and diseases directly impair the production and quality of fruit, which is a strong motivation for farmers to engage in pest control. Additionally, it becomes increasingly accepted among farmers that the use of synthetic pesticides is harmful to the environment. Therefore, the holistic approach of managing pests and diseases promoted within training sessions in the farmers' field schools was generally welcomed. Furthermore, the homemade insecticides are cheap and most of them are not harmful to the environment and the users.

A few aspects could already be identified over the course of the project:

  • Many farmers tend not to take proactive measures towards pest management due to limited technical knowledge/information available in this regard. 
  • Synthetic pesticides have a more resounding effect than homemade ones, which need to be applied repeatedly. Therefore, many farmers still prefer synthetic pesticides and it is challenging to convince them of the benefits of homemade ones.