The development of France’s portal dedicated to Integrated Pest Management is an ongoing process, providing access to lots of interesting information to those with a knowledge of French or a good translation program. New pages added to the EcophytoPIC site include, for example, sections dedicated to conservation biological control (using functional biodiversity), the mass release of beneficial insects and an examination of the ongoing experimental work on entovectoring.
Indeed, the section of the portal dedicated to biocontrol methods now runs to three pages, covering a broad range of possible tactics, each of which is explained and further illustrated with examples from the DEPHY network, videos etc. Similar sections address physical control methods and the rationalisation of chemical control, with each supported by a special edition of Focus, the EcophytoPIC newsletter.
The latest edition of Focus is dedicated to agroecology, which has been given a central role in France’s National Action Plan and ambition to cut pesticide use by 50% over the course of a decade. The newsletter begins by setting out the emergence of the concept of agroecology and then examines the application of its principles in crop protection through increasing genetic diversity and strengthening biological regulation (through conservation biocontrol and taking steps to boost beneficials).
The newsletter provides examples of applied agroecological research in plant protection for major crop types (arable, perennial, vegetables and tropical) and then gives readers examples of the support available to farmers seeking to change their production systems. The latter includes not only guides for redesigning cropping systems and the DEPHY network of demonstration farms, but an online tool enabling producers to conduct an agroecological diagnostic assessment of their farm.
In this free online tool (pictured right), users provide an initial description of the farm before being taken through the practices which could be introduced in a more integrated approach. This includes, for example, diversifying production over time and space, choosing varieties adapted to the growing conditions and offering pest resistance, taking measures to protect and boost beneficials and pollinators, and using biocontrol or physical methods for pest control.
Following this focus on practices, two further modules are available. The first leads users to reflect on the performance of their farm, incorporating not only economic performance but the environmental and social aspects too. The final module provides the next steps, for example, where to find further information and training, the possibilities for collective action etc.
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Last update: 24/05/2023 - ENDURE © 2009 - Contact ENDURE - Disclaimer