ICM might have greater part in bulb fly control
ICM might have greater part in bulb fly control
INTEGRATED crop management could assume a greater role in the control of wheat bulb fly in future.
Chemical control has depended heavily on various OP insecticides, says ADAS expert John Young. "Consequently in recent years the number of products available to us has declined considerably.
"In future greater use could be made of alternative techniques compatible with the aims of integrated crop management.
"We are starting to investigate such methods in a MAFF-funded project in which we aim to develop whole-farm strategies to bring about long-term reductions in wheat bulb fly populations.
"We are looking at novel techniques including the use of set-aside land as trap fallows or decoy areas for egg-laying. We see this approach as a positive way forward." *