BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION
Bio Protection
Pest management
Preventive, curative and biological measures are taken to control pests (mites, nematodes, insects, molluscs, birds and mammals) as well as pathogens. In the event of attacks by rabbits, rodents or birds, nets and fencing shall be installed.
Countermeasures
Preventive measures to protect against pests include the methods proposed for weed and disease control.
As curative measures, mechanical control is practised by collecting and destroying harmful insects, trenching, using plants and trap-breaks, spraying with cold water to reduce aphids. Pheromones, natural pyrethroids, metaldehyde and diammonium phosphate can be used to make traps. Peas are also repellent to some pests.
Chemical measures include the use of alum (sour stone), potassium soap to control leaf lice, basalt flour for action on the eyes, body and trachea of insects. Vegetable oils (mint, cumin, linseed), paraffin oil and mineral oils will be useful.
Biological measures include the use of predatory insects and micro-organisms as well as some pest-fighting plant species. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes may be useful.
Predatory insect control can be presented by the 7-spotted ladybird (Coccinella 7 punctata), which is excellent at controlling leaf lice. Biopreparations containing Baculovirus viruses combat insect pests. Bacterial preparations (Bacillus thuringiensis) keep lepidopterans (butterflies) under control. Those containing entomopathogenic fungi (Verticilium genus) help control aphids.
Bio Protection
Disease management
Preventive methods
Preventive methods refer to phytosanitary quarantine, conditioning of seed and planting material, destruction of problem weeds and, in addition, forecasting and warning, which are carried out in the same way as for pest management.
Destruction of weeds in the wild flora, which can be host to pathogens, must be carried out immediately. Forecasting and warning is carried out by the specialist services and distributed in the form of a bulletin to help farmers prevent or control the occurrence of various pathogens. Warnings are issued according to climatic conditions and refer to the imminent occurrence of diseases in crops.
Effective control can be ensured by the correct application of crop rotation, choice of land, time of ploughing immediately after the pre-plant, irrigation and fertiliser application in a controlled manner, use of certified seed material, time of sowing, optimum density, timely and favourable harvesting conditions.
Bio Protection
Biological control
The Trichogramma is an entomophagous insect, which serves as a natural solution for pest control. This method of pest control allows for organic farming and saves costs on expensive and harmful pesticides!
From May to October, various pests begin to reproduce and lay eggs. A forecast is made, and based on the monitoring of pest flights and phenology, Trichogramma is introduced using light aviation, UAVs (drones) on large and medium-sized areas, or manually on smaller plots. Trichogramma finds pest egg clusters and lays its own eggs inside them, thus destroying the pests in the embryonic stage.
Trichogramma is released in two stages: at the beginning of egg-laying by the main species of moths and corn stem borers, and again during mass egg-laying. The amount per hectare varies depending on the number of pests. On average, the rate is 100,000-200,000 individuals per hectare.
On small plots, home gardens, or summer cottages, manual application requires a container (a jar, paper box) filled with acacia leaves or other organic material and then populated with active Trichogramma individuals. The leaves with Trichogramma are then spread over the area, following the hectare norms.
On large and medium-sized plots of corn, sunflower, soybeans, cereals, and other crops, the release is done using light aviation (deltaplanes, Bekas), UAVs (drones), equipped with GPS systems. Trichogramma is mixed with a filler (semolina) for further distribution in the fields in a ratio of 1:10.
- Enables organic farming, improving the quality and value of the crop
- Safe for humans and nature
- Saves money compared to chemical treatments
- Automatically finds pests and destroys them in hard-to-reach areas
- Has a wide spectrum of action (destroys over 80 types of pests)
This beneficial insect is bred and raised in special biological laboratories. Years of experience have shown that Trichogramma has become an indispensable helper for agronomists, which is why demand for it grows year after year.
It begins fighting pests in the early stages of their development, acting on parasite larvae. From late spring to mid-autumn, pests enter their reproductive phase and lay eggs.
Experts, based on seasonal natural phenomena, forecast pest behavior and then release Trichogramma in gardens. This is done with light aviation, drones, or manually in smaller areas.
Trichogramma finds pest egg-laying sites, lays its own eggs inside, and destroys the parasites in their early stages.
The list of crops it protects is extensive. It includes beetroot (without which, as we know, you can’t make borscht), as well as sunflower, corn, perennial grasses, various vegetables, and fruit and berry crops.
The list of pests that Trichogramma fights against is almost endless. One of the most notorious and dangerous moth pests is the cotton bollworm.
It can affect more than 100 cultivated and wild plants. The cotton bollworm caterpillar is particularly dangerous, often damaging corn, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and other crops.
The primary advantage is its method of pest control, as described above. Equally important, though, is that this protective insect is completely safe for humans and all the plants growing in gardens and fields. And, of course, the economic benefit compared to the cost of pesticides.
Crops: Beets, winter cereals, perennial grasses, millet, sunflower, vegetables, corn, fruit, and berry crops.
Against Pests: Leaf-eating and subterranean moths, corn stalk borers, garden pests, American white moths, meadow moths, silkworms, leafrollers, moths, codling moths, and others.
Curative measures
Curative measures to control plant diseases consist of burning disease-infested plant debris, removing parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, fruit) that have been attacked by various pathogens (rusts, mealybugs, mange, rots), solarisation to disinfect attacked seeds and fruit by exposing them to the sun, and then regular mowing.
Bio Protection
Genetic methods
Genetic methods aim to breed plant species that have tolerance or some resistance to attack by various pathogens.
Biochemical methods
Biochemical methods – legalised products for disease control in organic farming systems:
- Copper-containing products: bordeaux juice, copper in the form of copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulphate (tribasic) for the control of mange, fusarium, rot.
- Sulphur-based products: mucilage sulphur or sulphocalcium solution to combat mould.
- Sodium silicate is a liquid product used to combat rot, sclerotinia and seedling decay.
- Compost extract is used to control mealy bugs.
Bio Protection
Advantages of using entomophages
Yield
With correct and timely application, a 20-30% increase in yield can be achieved.
Savings
Significantly reduce the costs associated with purchasing and applying pesticides.
Sustainability
The use of entomophages contributes to a greener and more environmentally friendly agriculture.
Fertility
Not only does it protect crops, it also helps improve soil health.
Precision
With the help of drones they are deployed with maximum precision in problem areas.
Sustainability
Provides long-lasting protection for agricultural crops, persisting in the environment for longer.
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Frequently asked questions and answers
To benefit from our services, please contact us via the contact form on our website or by phone. A member of our team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your needs and provide you with the right solutions for your farming business.
Our drone monitoring technology is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of agricultural crops, including cereals, vegetables, fruit, fruit trees and vines. Regardless of the type of crop, we can provide accurate information and tailored recommendations to help you manage your crops effectively.
Using our drone monitoring technology and advanced data analytics, we can identify problems and plant stress at early stages, allowing you to intervene promptly and prevent losses. You can also reduce wastage and associated costs by accurately applying agricultural inputs. This will help you achieve more efficient crop management and optimise costs in your farming business.