Doporučení integrované ochrany rostlin pro zvládání výzev změny klimatu

Přehled modulu

Boštjan MATKO, Stanka KLEMENČİČ

Outline

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM),

• Pest control measures (prevention, non-chemical control),

• Optimization of pesticides use (best practices for optimizing pesticide efficiency, cost effectiveness),

• Increase knowledge and willingness to adapt and use IPM techniques (training material for relevant stakeholders such as farmers, policy makers…),

• Promoting advanced IPM strategies,

• Reducing the use of pesticides in agricultural production,

• Decreasing negative impacts on the environment and people,

• Increase local agricultural production and food self-sufficiency.

Introduction

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represents a holistic approach to managing harmful organisms in agriculture, moving beyond reliance on chemical substances alone. It involves a systematic combination of biotic, cultural, physical, biotechnical, and chemical methods to promote plant health while minimizing economic, environmental, and health risks. In Slovenia, integrated plant production is rigorously supervised, ensuring adherence to stringent standards for certification. Central to IPM are principles like preventive measures, monitoring of harmful organisms, consideration of economic thresholds, and targeted use of plant protection products. Emphasis is placed on reducing reliance on chemical control and fostering natural mechanisms of pest regulation. Despite requiring greater knowledge and coordination, IPM offers numerous advantages, including reduced health and environmental risks, long-term financial savings, and enhanced agricultural sustainability. However, challenges such as initial costs and the risk of uncontrolled pest development must be addressed. Compliance with regulations governing the use of plant protection products is essential, emphasizing proper application, monitoring, and record-keeping. IPM relies on a range of measures, including mechanical, biotic, biotechnical, and chemical methods, with chemical intervention as a last resort. By integrating diverse strategies tailored to specific contexts, IPM offers a promising path towards sustainable agriculture while mitigating risks to human health and the environment.

Integrated plant protection involves systematic and planned management of harmful organisms using various approaches such as biotic, physical, biotechnical, and chemical methods. The aim is to reduce the risk to agricultural production, human health, and the environment while promoting natural plant protection mechanisms. Various regulations and acts govern integrated plant protection, ensuring that users comply with preventive measures, monitoring harmful organisms, and using plant protection products responsibly. Certification processes are in place to verify compliance with integrated production standards. The text outlines eight fundamental principles of IPM, including preventive measures, monitoring of harmful organisms, setting thresholds, and using non-chemical methods whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on reducing the use of chemical pesticides to minimize risks to human health and the environment. Advantages of IPM include improved knowledge of harmful organisms, reduced risks to human health and the environment, financial savings, and stable agricultural production. Disadvantages include the need for more time and knowledge, higher initial costs, and a higher risk of uncontrolled development of harmful organisms. The requirements for integrated pest management are as follows: users must comply with regulations regarding the use of authorized plant protection products, record-keeping, application methods, safety measures to minimize environmental impact, preventive measures, crop rotation, use of tolerant/resistant varieties, and cleaning of machinery. Pest Control Measures are various measures, including preventive actions, mechanical weed control, use of beneficial organisms, and pheromone-based methods, are recommended to manage harmful organisms effectively. Basic substances and plant protection products permitted in organic farming can also be used in integrated production, provided they meet specific criteria and regulations.

The sustainable use of plant protection products (PPP) in agriculture is a critical aspect of modern farming practices, aimed at minimizing risks to human health, animal health, and the environment. This abstract summarizes the key strategies and regulations implemented in Slovenia to optimize the use of PPP while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The European Parliament's Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides has provided guidelines for reducing risks associated with pesticide use, influencing the adoption of stringent criteria for PPP authorization and regulation in Slovenia. National action programs focus on reducing PPP-related risks to human health, animals, and various environments through comprehensive measures and awareness programs. Slovenia has enacted laws to ensure the safe and specific use of PPP, including restrictions on multi-component PPP and periodic reevaluation of active substances for safety. The legislation aligns with EU directives on water protection, emphasizing environmental quality standards and groundwater protection. Mandatory education and certification for PPP users, along with regular inspections of application devices, ensure compliance with safety protocols. Key goals of PPP usage in Slovenia include reducing health and environmental risks, promoting integrated pest management, and encouraging organic farming practices. The training curriculum covers legislation, risk identification, safe handling practices, and proper waste disposal. The sale of PPP is regulated, requiring certification for purchases and strict oversight of distributors. Efforts to raise public awareness include information campaigns on PPP risks, proper handling, and waste management. Improved application techniques, such as drift-reduced nozzles and suitable sprayers, minimize PPP reliance and environmental impact during application.

The adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in agriculture is vital for promoting sustainability and reducing the negative impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. Clear policies are crucial to provide the necessary framework and incentives for encouraging alternative pest management practices. Addressing social and psychological barriers, along with stakeholder resistance, requires targeted extension methods and training programs. In Slovenia, various measures are implemented to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill acquisition among agricultural stakeholders, including support for vocational training, practical demonstrations, and advisory services. Collaborative efforts and cooperation among stakeholders accelerate the transfer of knowledge and innovations from research to practice. Investments in infrastructure and adaptation measures contribute to climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Adapting to climate change involves mitigating its effects through strategies such as proper choice of production technologies and investments in irrigation systems. Promoting organic farming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions further enhance environmental sustainability and industry competitiveness. Slovenia aims to foster IPM adoption and sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate pesticide-related risks and promote long-term agricultural resilience.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in agriculture are crucial for sustainable pest, plant disease, and weed management. Decision Support Systems (DSS) play a vital role in assisting farmers and consultants in on-farm decision-making processes related to IPM. These systems provide valuable insights into potential crop risks, allowing users to make informed decisions based on observational data and model results. In Slovenia, the development of advanced DSS for IPM is underway through projects like "IPM Decisions," which aims to provide growers with decision support tailored to integrated pest management. Additionally, initiatives such as the "IPMWORKS - Wide IPM Farm Demo Network" project promote the adoption of IPM strategies through knowledge sharing and demonstrations across Europe. By reducing reliance on plant protection products (PPPs) and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, these projects contribute to environmental protection and human health. Moreover, the integration of modern information and communication technology (ICT) and remote sensing techniques in agriculture enhances precision farming practices, leading to more efficient resource utilization and improved crop management. Remote sensing technologies enable the detection of pests and diseases, aiding in timely interventions and reducing the need for manual inspections. Electronic traps and monitoring devices further streamline pest detection processes, providing real-time data for informed decision-making. Overall, the integration of advanced IPM strategies, DSS, and digital technologies is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture and mitigating the adverse impacts of pesticide use on the environment and human health.

Reducing the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) through non-chemical plant protection methods is essential for sustainable agriculture. Physical measures, such as seed cleaning and heat treatment, soil disinfection, and mechanical weed control, serve to limit the access of harmful organisms to crops without relying on chemical interventions. Biotechnical measures utilize natural reactions of pests to attractants, deterrents, and food baits, including the use of pheromones for monitoring and population control. Biotic measures involve the introduction of beneficial organisms to regulate pest populations, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. While biotic protection requires careful monitoring and knowledge of ecosystem dynamics, it offers numerous advantages, including reduced pesticide residues and environmental pollution. Additionally, the use of PPP based on microorganisms, plant extracts, pheromones, and other low-risk substances provides effective alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, offer targeted control of harmful insect species, while beneficial microorganisms can suppress plant pathogens and enhance plant resistance. Plant extracts, like pyrethrin and neem oil, serve as natural insecticides with minimal environmental impact. Basic substances, approved for other purposes and not typically used as PPP, offer further options for plant protection without adverse effects on human health or the environment. Overall, the adoption of non-chemical plant protection methods represents a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, promoting biodiversity, reducing environmental impact, and safeguarding human health while ensuring effective pest management.