Organic Pest Management in Horticultural Crops

Abstract

AbstractOrganic farming is gaining popularity worldwide among the farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, scientists and other stakeholders as it minimizes dependence on chemical inputs, thus safeguarding the quality of natural resources and environment. In organic farming, insect pests pose a major challenge since genetically modified crops and synthetic pesticides are not permitted for use in organic production systems. The underlying principle of organic pest management (OPM) in organic system of cultivation involves the application of ecologically sound practices. Major emphasis is given on the use of multiple and various tactics incorporated into the cropping system design to prevent the damage caused by the insect pests. The main principles of pest management in organic farming system include prevention/avoidance, monitoring and suppression of pests. Monitoring of crop pests is done with visuals, use of nets, sticky traps and pheromone traps. Preventive measures include cultural practices (removal of alternate host plants, selection of cultivars, crop rotations, tillage, mulching, barrier crop, intercropping, rap cropping, planting/sowing time and soil nutrition management) and also conservation of natural enemies. Curative measures include the pinching and pruning, sanitation, fruit bagging, water management, mechanical control, insect traps, using of parasitoids and predators, insect pathogens, botanicals, insect growth regulators, insecticidal oils, insecticidal soaps, organic & organic insecticides and other synthetic substances allowed in organic farming. These practices when used in a compatible manner could make organic ecosystem unattractive to pest species. Organic farming is beneficial for both the humans and the nature.