Urge to rethink farm practices

ACCESSING improved predictors of disease, insect and weed infestations, coupled with a greater use of integrated management, are among the key messages agronomists and growers have been advised to take into the coming season, as a result of this year’s Crop Protection Forum.

More than 100 industry delegates convened in South Australia, for the one-day forum, with a view to tackling the brewing storm of fungicide, herbicide and pesticide resistance.

“There was a clear call for all involved in growing crops to rethink current paddock practices, which sometimes rely too heavily on chemicals for disease, weed and pest control, in favour of more sustainable farming systems,” Centre for Crop and Disease Management co-director and forum chair Professor Karam Singh said.

“The reality is that while the industry’s reliance on these chemicals may provide potential short-term economic gains, it is sacrificing their effectiveness in the long-term. We must now look to methods, including the rotation of chemicals, crop types and cultural strategies, to preserve a sustainable and profitable enterprise mix.”

ALTERNATIVE METHODS: Growers are being urged to rethink how they do things.