DAERA will be hosting a webinar ‘Biological Controls for Vine Weevil’ event
January 11, 2021
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 7:00 pm
DAERA will be hosting a webinar ‘Biological Controls for Vine Weevil’ on Wednesday 13th of January 2021 at 7.00pm. David Davidson Koppert’s Technical Consultant for Ireland will be discussing biological controls for vine weevil. Koppert have two nematode species that kill vine weevil larvae, Larvanem and Entonem. David will be discussing these in detail, along with their use, and including them in an IPM programme.
The importance of introducing and setting up an IPM programme is becoming more crucial for the future control of pests in nursery and fruit production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to the management of pests that combines cultural, physical, biological, and chemical practices so minimising economic, health, and environmental risks. The emphasis is on producing a healthy crop with minimal damage to the environment In the future the horticulture industry will have to rely less on chemical controls as availability diminishes. There is greater consumer desire for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach and this will also impact the control of practices employed.
An example of the diminishing availability of chemical control is Exemptor. This product will be withdrawn from use in early 2021. Exemptor was an effective method of controlling vine weevil larvae. Vine weevil is a massive problem within the ornamental sector and can lead to huge loses if it is not controlled at an early stage. The larvae causes’ widespread damage on the root systems and even entire crops failing. The adult vine weevil can cause aesthetic damage to certain crops by cutting notches out of the leaves. The result of the withdrawal of this product is more limited options for growers in the control of this pest.
IPM is an effective and efficient way to control a wide range of ornamental pests.To get further information on the webinar contact our Horticulture Adviser (Ornamentals) Conor Gallinagh by e-mail: Conor.Gallinagh@daera-ni.gov.uk or Mobile: 07919695676