Trials advance residue management and biological IPM for protected horticulture
Source: HD.com
Stellenbosch university: Trials advance residue management and biological IPM for protected horticulture Research presented by Stellenbosch University at the recent Woolworths Vision Zero Grower Day demonstrated how residue analytics, protected cultivation, light-trap monitoring, and biological control technologies are increasingly converging into integrated pest management (IPM) systems designed to reduce chemical reliance in commercial horticulture. "But it's chemical and biological activities that range over time." The trials monitor residue levels from application through to harvest, with sampling conducted from day zero up to day 14 after spraying.
Detailed environmental and application data are also recorded, including spray volume, formulation, equipment type, humidity, temperature, irrigation, rainfall, crop growth stage, and greenhouse versus open-field conditions. "The aim is to move away from retrospective compliance more into conversations that we can have earlier during planning, before harvest." Light-trap trials target Tuta absoluta pressure in greenhouse tomatoes The residue work is being complemented by Tuta absoluta research led by Stefano Merezes, focusing on light-trap technologies and integrated control systems for tomato production.
"You can have up to 10 to 12 generations in a single year in a greenhouse." The Stellenbosch trials are evaluating ultraviolet light traps using 365 nm and 390 nm wavelengths, alongside cultivar selection and nitrogen management strategies. "Enclosure and greenhouses have become a very key part of management of Tuta, because physical separation is key." © HortiDaily Stellenbosch University researchers Stefano Merezes, Dr Murray Dunn, and Dr Estelle Kempen Entomopathogenic nematodes show commercial potential Alongside monitoring technologies, Stellenbosch researchers are also advancing biological control systems based on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs).
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
