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Pest Control
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Pest Control in Fresh Produce Operations
In fresh produce operations, the term pest applies to all organisms that can damage or contaminate fruit and vegetables during field production, packaging, storage and distribution. Insects, micro-organisms, wild animals and weeds, which can also harbour insects, vermin, etc., should all be considered in a pest control program. This program should also extend to the packhouse, storage facilities and vehicles used for transport.
Common Pest Control Procedures
Pests can be controlled through a variety of methods. The table below describes the various pest control methods that are commonly used. When selecting a pest control method, choose one that is approved for local, regional, and national level use and apply it appropriately.
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Method |
Description |
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Biological Control |
Biological control uses living organisms for pest control. Biological pesticides fall into three major classes, which is:
Some plant growth regulators are naturally occurring biopesticides. Biological control also includes the release of parasitic and predaceous insects to control insect pests or weed species. |
|
Plant Resistance |
Crop plants are bred to produce varieties that resist insects and other pests. Crop plants are also genetically altered to allow them to withstand herbicides so that only weeds are killed when treated with chemical herbicides. |
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Cultural Control |
Cultural methods include crop rotation, soil tillage, the use of trap crops, changing planting or harvesting time, intercropping with other crops or with varieties that repel pests |
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Mechanical and Physical Control |
Mechanical and physical methods refer to techniques such as collecting pests with traps, suction devices or by hand, or such as using fire, heat, cold, sound, or physical barriers or screens. |
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Chemical Control |
Chemical control methods make use of conventional pesticides, which are synthetic chemicals that are intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate any pest. |
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
IPM is a pest management approach that uses all available pest control methods, including the judicious use of pesticides, to optimise a crop's ability to resist the pest with the least hazard to humans and the environment. Integrated pest management supports the control of pests through methods that are less dependent on chemicals. In recent years, consumers of fresh produce are becoming more aware of the chemicals that are applied to fresh produce and the demand is therefore for a more integrated pest control strategy. |
Pest control programs should include a series of scheduled inspections to identify situations that can encourage the introduction of pests, identify the presence of pests, and quantify their number.
Click here to view a video that explains pest management.
Click here to download a handout that explains the safe use of pesticides.