Preventing crop loss from any factor is the goal of crop management. The basis of a good crop management system is good soil that produces healthy plants. Once that is established, controls for insects, disease and weeds can be used on an as -needed basis, as they interfere with production of the crop.

Primary method of control Good Soil !!!!! Good soil management- air, water, organic matter, minerals, tillage Plants can handle some damage- take a whole farm approach

Organic management Prevent problems by building healthy soil which makes healthy plants 1. Scout for problems 2. Identify the problem 3. Determine if intervention is necessary 4. Use the appropriate control method

Organic methods of insect control Attracting predators Repellants Barriers Trap Crop Killing

Attracting predators Most control is by predators. Attract predators by providing food, water and shelter for them. Unmown areas of plants give predators a place to live. Nectar bearing plants will attract predators.

Repellants Make the plant unappetizing to the predator. Garlic oil is widely available. Tansy can be made into a repellant. Pepper spray. Repellants can be homemade.

Barriers Floating row cover. Allows water and most sunlight through. Must be securely anchored to do its job. Weeds will grow under cover – must check regularly to control weeds. Will warm the soil slightly. Fencing for four legged pests.

Trap crop A trap crop is one the bugs prefer to the main crop. It is planted to “trap” the pests and keep them away from the main crop. Most effective for pests of intermediate mobility. Best if it is not too much trouble or take up too much room.

Classification of insects Chewing Insects Bites off, chews and swallows plant parts Generally controlled by stomach poisons Sucking Insects Pierces the outer layer of the cells and sucks the sap from the cells Generally controlled by contact poisons

CABBAGE BUTTERFLY

CABBAGE & SOYBEAN LOOPERS

LOOPER DAMAGE

BEAN LEAF BEETLE

BEAN LEAF BEETLE DAMAGE

MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE

COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

COLORADO POTATO BEETLE LARVA

APHIDS

CUTWORMS

PARASITIC WASP PUPAE ON HORNWORM

PARASITIC WASP

LADY BEETLES

LACEWINGS

PRAYING MANTIDS

Disease Weak unhealthy plants most likely to become diseased. Disease caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi. Bacteria and viruses cause relatively few diseases and there is no treatment. Fungi cause most disease – some methods of control.

Fungal diseases Powdery Mildew – milk spray Fusarium – biodiversity in soil Rusts Scab Root rots Find when it is most vulnerable to control. Much easier and more effective to prevent disease than try to treat the disease.

Powdery mildew on corn (fungus)

Bacterial wilt of tomatoes

Tobacco Mosaic Virus on tomatoes

Disease Control Prevent problems by building healthy soil which makes healthy plants 1. Scout for problems 2. Identify the problem 3. Determine if intervention is necessary 4. Use the appropriate control method

Companion Planting Crops that are grown in close proximity. Choose crops that don’t compete – grow differently and are not antagonist. Reasons for companion planting: Increase crop production Decrease pest populations Decrease soil borne disease

Examples of companion plants Beans on corn stalks Radishes and carrots or spinach Marigolds in tomatoes Tomatoes and carrots

Crop rotations Rotations done to prevent build up of diseases and pests in the soil. Eight year rotation great but even a two year rotation better than none. Divide crops by families and rotate as a block. Consult Eliot Coleman on order of rotation.