Being friends with your enemies is a good strategy when it comes to the world of beneficial bugs.
An Integrated Pest Management Workshop in Rai Valley in early March, sponsored by Te Hoiere Project and Nelson/Marlborough NZ Landcare Trust, explored how to maximise the use of natural enemies of key pests.
Fonterra Farm Source Branch Manager Kristin Aldridge said the field day, held in a turnip crop on Malcolm Burkett’s dairy farm alongside Corteva, was a great discussion and very hands on and informative.
“We discussed the benefits of beneficial bugs, learning how and why they are important, and participated in a field scout to find bugs and identify the good guys from the bad guys,” she said.
Integrated Pest Management is an environmentally friendly approach to controlling insect pests on agricultural crops without harming beneficial insects, exposing workers to toxins and preventing toxins from entering the environment.
“IPM Friendly insecticides prioritize sustainable pest control by minimizing environmental and human health risks, reducing pesticide use, and promoting healthy ecosystems,” Kristin said.
Around a dozen people attended including farmers and members of the community.
