Plant protection in organic pome fruit cultivation – Pflanzenschutz in biokernobstanbau

The regulation of diseases and pests is the key to successful organic cultivation of pome fruit. Besides preventive measures such as the selection of a suitable site, vigorous varieties and rootstocks, as well as maintenance measures for crops, a great number of products are now available for direct plant protection. The technical sheet provides essential […]

Organic farming induces changes in bacterial community and disease suppressiveness against fungal phytopathogens

Published in Science Direct. Due to higher microbial activity and diversity, organic farming serves as a sustainable alternative in preventing several soil-borne plant diseases. However, there are limited studies that have shown direct relationship between soil bacterial composition and its effect on disease suppressive potential under different farming systems. Thus, the objective of the study was to […]

I terreni gestiti con metodo biologico contengono microbi benefici che aiutano a controllare le malattie del suolo: uno studio dall'India

I terreni coltivati con metodi biologici ospitano un microbioma più diversificato rispetto a quello dei terreni coltivati con metodi convenzionali, dove molti agricoltori trattano le loro colture con sostanze chimiche di sintesi per combattere le malattie del suolo. Secondo un recente studio a lungo termine condotto in India e pubblicato su Applied Soil Ecology, questi […]

Control of Neofabraea spp. in organic fruit production

During storage, this disease causes significant damage. Infection occurs in the field, but symptoms become evident after a few months. Crop losses can exceed over 50 percent. Precautionary measures and the correct placement of the orchard (aeration) make it possible to reduce the pressure of this disease.

Improving veterinarian’s knowledge of animal husbandry in organic agriculture in Switzerland

There are strict guidelines and strategies for the Swiss organic sector to maintain animal health and reduce antibiotics. Veterinarians need to be made aware of these guidelines. Education and further training for veterinarians to familiarise them with organic farming strategies. A training course was developed with farmers and veterinarians about animal husbandry in organic farming. […]

An Overview of Pest and Disease Occurrence in Organic Pome Fruit Orchards in Europe and on the Implementation of Practices for Their Control

There is limited data regarding the specific problems faced by organic fruit growers when dealing with plant protection, particularly at a European Union level, though some general knowledge about pest and disease incidence can be found. Such information is crucial to improve the efficacy of a targeted knowledge transfer to organic fruit growers and advisors […]

Predicting net returns of organic and conventional strawberry following soil disinfestation with steam or steam plus additives

The study is published in the journal “Agronomy”. Pre-plant methods for managing soil-borne pests and diseases are an important priority for many agricultural production systems. This study investigates whether the application of steam is an economically sustainable pre-plant soil disinfestation technique for organic and conventional strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) production in California’s Central Coast region. We […]

Reynoutria sachalinensis extract elicits SA-dependent defense responses in courgette genotypes against powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Podosphaera xanthii is one of the most important courgette diseases with high yield losses and is currently controlled by fungicides and sulphur applications in conventional and organic production. Plant derived elicitors/inducers of resistance are natural compounds that induce resistance to pathogen attack and promote a faster and/or more robust activation of plant […]

Fourth International Symposium on Biological Control of Bacterial Plant Diseases

A collection of abstracts from the Fourth International Symposium on Biological Control of Bacterial Plant Diseases. Biological control is a key element of sustainable agriculture but also the central feature to protect biodiversity and reduce pollution in the world. The need to promote biological control of plant pests and disease becomes a necessity especially for […]