Crop protection in organic agriculture - a simple matter?

This report was presented at the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference. Crop protection strategies in organic agriculture and horticulture aim to prevent pest, disease and weed problems through optimisation of the cropping system as a whole. Choice of crops and varieties within the rotation and use of appropriate husbandry practices are critical to the success of the system and direct curative action against pests and diseases is rarely necessary. Research is urgently needed to determine strategies for control of key pests and diseases in organic systems if UK organic agriculture is to expand to meet increasing consumer demand. This paper describes current prevention and control strategies for pests, diseases and weeds in UK organic agriculture and identifies problems that are currently limiting expansion of the industry

Common regional pests of Western Australia

Western Australia is free from many exotic animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds that are present elsewhere in Australia. However, the state does have some unwanted intruders. Of these, many are declared plants or declared animals which, for the sake of convenience, we collectively call declared pests.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1097/thumbnail.jp

The land is in your hands : a practical guide for owners of small rural landholdings in Western Australia

This Bulletin discusses various aspects of managing a small farm or property in Western Australia, including soil and land care, vegetation and plant control on farm holdings, water resource management, biosecurity, plant, animal and insect pest control and livestock management.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1039/thumbnail.jp

Intensification of cattle ranching production systems: Socioeconomic and environmental synergies and risks in Brazil

Intensification of Brazilian cattle ranching systems has attracted both national and international attention due to its direct relation with Amazon deforestation on the one hand and increasing demand of the global population for meat on the other. Since Brazilian cattle ranching is predominantly pasture-based, we particularly focus on pasture management. We summarize the most recurrent opportunities and risks associated with pasture intensification that are brought up within scientific and political dialogues, and discuss them within the Brazilian context. We argue that sustainable intensification of pasturelands in Brazil is a viable way to increase agricultural output while simultaneously sparing land for nature. Since environmental degradation is often associated with low-yield extensive systems in Brazil, it is possible to obtain higher yields, while reversing degradation, by adopting practices like rotational grazing, incorporation of legumes and integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems. Technical assistance is however essential, particularly for small- and medium-scale farmers. Sound complementary policies and good governance must accompany these measures so that a ‘rebound effect’ does not lead to increased deforestation and other adverse social and environmental impacts. It is also important that animal welfare is not compromised. Although the discussion is presented with respect to Brazil, some aspects are relevant to other developing countries

Managing soil fertility in organic farming systems

Complex relationships exist between different components of the organic farm and the quantity and quality of the end products depend on the functioning of the whole system. As such, it is very difficult to isolate soil fertility from production and environmental aspects of the system. Crop rotation is the central tool that integrates the maintenance and development of soil fertility with different aspects of crop and livestock production in organic systems. Nutrient supply to crops depends on the use of legumes to add nitrogen to the system and limited inputs of supplementary nutrients, added in acceptable forms. Manures and crop residues are carefully managed to recycle nutrients around the farm. Management of soil organic matter, primarily through the use of short-term leys, helps ensure good soil structure and biological activity, important for nutrient supply, health and productivity of both crops and livestock. Carefully planned diverse rotations help reduce the incidence of pests and diseases and allow for cultural methods of weed control. As a result of the complex interactions between different system components, fertility management in organic farming relies on a long-term integrated approach rather than the more short-term very targeted solutions common in conventional agriculture

Primary Industries Development Research Highlights 2021

The Primary Industries Development Research Highlights 2021 showcases the breadth and depth of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s research and development activities over the past several years. Stories featured in Research Highlights 2021 stem from about 60 (of 140) current and recently-completed projects undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) 1100 scientists, technical experts and economists throughout the State. Explore our Research Highlights 2021. The publication demonstrates the innovative and applicable research that DPIRD and its collaborators and investment partners deliver to Western Australia. Download the Research Highlights 2021 here. Alternatively, a copy is available from DPIRD offices on request.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/books/1021/thumbnail.jp

Grains Research and Development Science Highlights 2015-17

Western Australian grain production and industry value has quadrupled over the past 30 years, despite declining winter rainfall, more frost and high temperature events, acidifying soils and increasing input costs. Strong evidence links this productivity growth to R&D that has delivered genetically superior varieties, better agronomic practices and more reliable farming systems. Western Australian grain growers are innovators that rapidly adopt new technology which is increasingly sourced from a wider pool of national and global science, research and innovation. Continuing to push the productivity frontier is not only critical to grower’s profitability, it underpins the international competitiveness of our exports and value-adding opportunities for the Western Australian economy. DAFWA’s Grains R&D team aims to access and evaluate the most relevant new products and technologies under Western Australian grain growing conditions and to integrate the findings to support the rapid and appropriate adoption by Western Australian grain growing businesses

Irrigation Management Information Network (IMIN) Keyword thesaurus

Irrigation management / Thesauri / Information services / Networks

A Guide to Integrated Pest Management for Brassica - Insect Pest, Disease, Virus, Nematode and Weed Control

This guide outlines the key issues that should be considered in relation to the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for brassica crops on a whole of crop basis. The guide addresses the key control methods and their rating in an IPM system for the major insect pests, disease, virus, nematode and weed control. The guide should be used in conjunction with the posters; “Brassica crop protection products – A guide to potential impacts on beneficials” and the “Best Practice IPM – Overview”. The guide should also be used alongside other publications such as the, “Field Guide to – Pests,Diseases and Disorders of Vegetable Brassicas

Weeds in Sacramento County of California

Sacramento County has many types of Agriculture and many weed pests which compete with the crops. Stock may be poisoned by certain weeds and weeds may also act as hosts for fungus diseases, virus diseases and insect pests of cultivated crops. Many plants may be weeds in one locality and harmless or beneficial in other parts. The author has made a thorough study of the country\u27s agriculture and its weeds. Latest control practices were also studied