Research topic 4: Pest Management
Trial number 04-WB-06
Pineapples are affected by a variety of pests including insects, diseases, nematode and weeds. Soil types, climatic factors, crop stages and crop management practices affect the intensity of pest infestations. An integrated approach comprising cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures are most commonly used in managing these pests. The primary goal is to keep pest populations below economic threshold levels to avoid serious crop losses.
Biofilm Crop Protection is a microbial biotechnology company that developed products to target pests and diseases of economic importance. This trial evaluates a number of Biofilm products that focus on managing nematodes, phytophthora root rot and enhancing of nitrogen.
OBJECTIVE
This exercise will evaluate a number of Biofilm products on the management of nematodes and phytophthora root rot and will increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser use by pineapples compared with traditional mineral fertilisers.
More specifically:
- To observe the effects of biological nematicide and fungicide products on pineapple root health to improve soil and plant biology.
- To observe the effects of nitrogen enhancing products on pineapple crop growth.
- To undertake a cost analysis of the experimental program compared with standard practices.
- To investigate any yield improvements at plant crop harvest.
