Although pesticides are recognised as very dangerous substances, especially in that they directly affect humans causing health problems and nature causing various changes, their use in Lithuania had been increasing, writes Ilma. In 2011, 2,704.9 tonnes of plant protection products were placed on the national market and in 2017 this figure was 3,056.4 tonnes. The use of growth regulators (x3.2), fungicides (x1.4) and insecticides (x1.3) in 2017 increased most, compared to 2011 (see table below).

Table: Plant protection products placed on market 2012–2017

Source: Statistics Lithuania, 2018. Agriculture. Agri-environment. Plant protection products placed on market. Access via Internet: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize#/

The largest areas treated with plant protection products in Lithuania are those used for growing winter and spring wheat, spring barley, and winter and spring rapeseed. Although the use of plant protection products in the country has been increasing, the consumption of these products per hectare of arable land in Lithuania is significantly lower than the EU-28 average (2.1 times in 2016).

PI Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service (known as LAAS) offers an integrated plant protection information, consulting and training information system called IKMIS, which presents electronic services for farmers and is designed to foster more sustainable and 'green' farming. Some of IKMIS's key features are as follows: 

• Urgent, real-time submission of data on the situation of disease and pest spread in crops all through the country according to the recommendations presented by researchers.
• Interactive data mapping of the spread of harmful organisms and interactive consultations from LAAS specialists and district advisers on the application of integrated plant protection.
• Catalogues of plant protection products, diseases, pests and weeds are published, facilitating faster identification of a disease or pest and easier selection of herbicides registered in Lithuania for their extermination, i. e. adaptation to Lithuanian conditions.
• Online training courses for farmers and agricultural advisers using various training methods: classroom training, direct broadcast of training, review of electronic training videos or real-time electronic training.

The electronic services delivered through the system that are available at www.ikmis.lt or via Lithuania's e-Government Gateway or via the portal designed for farmers. 

System versatility

IKMIS information and services are available to anybody who is interested after registration. No specific software is required to use the electronic services provided via IKMIS as it functions fully as a web page accessible via conventional Internet browsers. All services provided are available via secured connections to the system.

Map of harmful disease spread and description. Different colours show different damage levels

Dynamics of disease, pest and weed spread

Every week the system is provided with updated information entered by regional plant production advisers who observe crops during plant vegetation periods according to methodology prepared by researchers. The forecasts of harmful organisms are based on meteorological data and data received from certain modules of computerised mathematical calculations. For this purpose meteorological stations (metpoles) have been purchased, which calculate and provide IKMIS with a forecast of the spread of certain diseases and pests. Users of the electronic services provided via IKMIS can order information on the spread of diseases, pests and weeds during plant vegetation seasons. The information can be received via e-mail or SMS messages.

Catalogues for Plant Protection Products, diseases, pests and weeds

The information system publishes and makes easily accessible catalogues for plant protection products, diseases, pests and weeds in order to facilitate the recognition of a disease or a pest and easier selection of plant protection products registered in Lithuania as the most efficient remedy.

Integrated Plant Protection

There is also an option of interactive consulting with LAAS specialists and district advisers regarding the application of integrated plant protection.

Remote education and accreditation

Another important application domain of the system is the training of farmers and agricultural advisers by internet, their accreditation and the issuing of certificates. The information system provides the possibility of increasing knowledge according to eight main curricula. Those wishing to participate in training sessions can choose their mode of training: classroom training, direct broadcasts, reviews of electronic training videos or real-time electronic training.

For more information:

• Visit the IKMIS website here