In temperate climates, winter can be a deceptive time for crops, as many pests and diseases can remain present and passive beneath the soil, in plant debris, or in protected areas, waiting for favourable conditions to become active again. Early crop protection strategies (prophylaxy) can help mitigate the risks posed by these overwintering pests and diseases. Growers must embrace a sustainable approach to pest management that keeps crops healthy year-round and winter months are critical for implementing effective crop protection strategies.
The benefits of early crop protection
Early intervention for crop protection during colder periods, like autumn or early spring, offers several benefits, including:
- Prevent pest infestations
- Reduce disease pressure
- Optimise early plant establishment
- Enhance crop health
- Cost efficiency
- Ultimately improves yields
Early intervention with biological controls helps manage pests before they emerge in spring, preventing damage to crops and ensuring better germination and stronger plant growth. By managing seed- and soil-borne diseases, growers reduce disease risks, leading to healthier plants. Healthier plants established early result in higher yields and better productivity.
Beneficial nematodes
Entonem (Steinernema feltiae)
This highly soluble, 100% biodegradable formulation with a long shelf life, designed to control a range of insect pests in protected crops. Its target pests include weevils, sciarid flies, and thrips, offering effective pest management throughout cooler seasons such as late autumn or early spring. This helps reduce the pest reservoir for the following season.
Capirel (Steinernema feltiae)
A highly soluble, 100% biodegradable formulation with a long shelf life, formulated for use on outdoor crops. Its target pests include black vine weevil, sciarid flies, and other insect pests in crops like apples, peaches, blueberries, and outdoor vegetables such as onions, asparagus, and beans.
The beneficial nematode, Steinernema feltiae, in the products Entonem and Capirel, have exceptional cold tolerance. They can be effectively applied early and late in the season when temperatures are lower. They perform well when daily temperatures exceed 10°C, with an optimum range of 14°C to 26°C, and they remain viable in temperatures as low as 5°C. Additionally, brief exposure to cold night temperatures will not harm the nematodes, provided temperatures do not drop below freezing.
Products
Predatory mites
These products can be used as part of a preventative crop protection protocol as the predatory mites are active at lower temperatures. When present in the crop's early season they can be the first active force to start controlling the pests that come out of hibernation.
Limonica (Amblydromalus limonicus)
Limonica is a generalist predatory mite for the control of thrips and whiteflies, and especially recommended to suppress high densities.
Thripex (Neoseiulus cucumeris)
Thripex is used for the control of the young larvae of various thrips species.
Anso-Mite (Amblyseius andersoni)
Anso-Mite is used for the control of young larvae of various thrips species. It also affects eggs and larvae of whiteflies, all stages of non-webbing spider mites (e.g. European red mite, Panonychus ulmi), and rust mites.
Products
Bio-fungicides
Cerall (Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain MA342)
Trianum (Trichoderma harzianum T-22)
These beneficial fungicides control seed-borne diseases in cereals, including winter wheat, summer wheat, spelt, rye, and triticale. They support the growth and development of young cereal plants up to the five-leaf stage and are suitable for both organic and conventional cultivation. Cerall targets diseases such as wheat bunt (Tilletia caries), glume blotch (Septoria nodorum), leaf spot (Stemphylium vesicarium), and foot rot (Microdochium nivale), while Trianum targets Fusarium (Fusarium spp.).
Products
Bio-insecticides
Mycotal (Lecanicillium/Akanthomyces muscarium Ve6)
An entomopathogenic fungus that acts as a natural solution for controlling whiteflies, thrips, and aphids in vegetables, ornamentals, nursery trees, and soft fruit in protected cultivation. It is easy to use and can be applied using existing spraying equipment while leaving no hazardous residue. Mycotal was proven to be the fastest and most competitive EPF in the market in environments with temperatures ranging from 5 to 14°C, allowing early-season application in heated and non-heated greenhouses and protected crops.
Product
Winter scouting: Protect your crops during the colder months
Scouting for pests during the colder months is essential to maintaining healthy crops. Despite the drop in temperatures, pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can persist in greenhouses or fields. Regular monitoring allows you to detect early signs of infestations, enabling timely interventions before spring growth begins. Stay proactive this winter to safeguard your crops and ensure a strong start to the next growing season.