As the agricultural calendar shifts into winter, many growers focus on preparing for the next growing season. However, the winter months are critical for implementing effective crop protection strategies. Early crop protection in overwintering crops can significantly enhance plant health, optimise yields, and reduce the risks of pest and disease outbreaks in spring.
Preventing pest infestations
Winter can be a deceptive time for crops, as many pests and diseases can remain active beneath the soil or in protected areas. Early crop protection strategies can help mitigate the risks posed by these overwintering pests. For instance, implementing measures like introducing beneficial nematodes can target pests like cutworms before they can emerge in the spring. Koppert’s products Entonem and Capirel both contain the beneficial nematode Steinernema feltiae which is very effective at low temperatures and targets various pests including fly larvae, thrips, caterpillars, and weevil larvae. Mycotal, containing the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium Ve6 is also highly effective in colder temperatures and controls whitefly, thrips, and aphids. By controlling these pests early, growers can prevent infestations that would otherwise lead to significant damage to seedlings and established plants.
The predatory mite products Anso-mite (Amblyseius andersoni), Limonica (Amblydromalus limonicus) and, Thripex (Neoseiulus cucumeris) are also excellent biocontrol agents as part of the preventative part of a pest control protocol, as these mites are active at lower temperatures. When present in the crop's early season they can be the first active force able to start controlling the pests that come out of hibernation.
Capirel against codling moth in orchards
Capirel contributes to a reduction of season damage in the following season by up to 60% (first generation), due to a lethal effect on the overwintering population of 80%.
Mycotal against overwintering white flies in strawberries
Mycotal is proven to be the most cold-tolerant entomopathogenic fungus on the market, controlling overwintering larvae of whiteflies in non-heated crops such as strawberries in winter/early spring.
Cerall in winter wheat against seed-borne diseases
Cerall improves grain yield on average by 290 kg/ha.
Trianum-P in pear, in Springtime, against Stemphylium
Trianum-P reduces the fungal inoculum during the pear vegetative growth by at least 50%. Reduces the fungal overwintering inoculum with 80% to 90%
Reducing disease pressure
In addition to pests, winter is also a critical time for managing diseases that can affect crops in the upcoming season. Many seed and soil-borne pathogens, such as Microdochium and Fusarium, thrive in cool, damp conditions. Applying biological control agents can enhance soil health and reduce disease incidence, leading to stronger, more resilient plants.
Optimizing early plant establishment
By protecting crops before and during the winter, growers can ensure a smoother transition into the spring planting season. Healthy soil and reduced pest and disease pressures lead to more uniform germination and stronger early plant establishment. This early advantage can translate into better crop performance, as plants that establish well are more likely to thrive throughout the growing season.
Cost efficiency
Investing in early crop protection measures can be more cost-effective than reactive approaches taken during the growing season. By preventing pest infestations and disease outbreaks when pressure is low and before they affect the crop during the growing season, growers can save on potential losses and reduce the need for costly treatments later.
The winter months present a unique opportunity for growers to implement effective crop protection strategies that pay dividends in the spring and beyond. By focusing on preventing pest infestations, reducing disease pressure, enhancing soil health, and optimizing early plant establishment, growers can set themselves up for success in the upcoming season. Embracing these practices during winter can lead to healthier crops, improved yields, and a more resilient agricultural system overall, that is what is means to be in control with Koppert.