Integrated Pest Management and Good Agricultural Practices
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Understanding the Action Threshold in Pest Management
The action threshold, also known as the economic threshold (ET) in the European Union (EU), is generally defined as the pest population density at which a producer must initiate control action to prevent the population from exceeding the Economic Injury Level (EIL) in the future. This implies a delay between estimating the pest density through monitoring and implementing control measures. Key considerations include:
- Plants can tolerate some degree of damage without significant loss.
- Pest species population density must be evaluated before attempting control.
- The goal is not to eradicate 100% of the pest population, as this is neither biologically plausible nor economically feasible.
IPM Techniques
IPM techniques, as defined by the ChileGAP standard, are divided into three categories:
- Prevention: Adopting cultivation methods that reduce the incidence and intensity of pest attacks, thereby minimizing the need for intervention.
- Observation and Monitoring: Determining when and to what extent pests and their natural enemies are present, and using this information to plan the appropriate pest management techniques.
- Intervention: In situations where pest attacks affect the economic value of crops, intervention with specific pest control methods, including plant protection products, will be required.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
GAP and GMP are sets of principles, standards, and technical recommendations for the production, processing, and transportation of food. They are oriented towards human health care, environmental protection, and improving working conditions.
Who Benefits from GAP?
- Farmers and their families: They obtain healthy, high-quality food, ensuring food and nutrition security. They also generate added value for their products, leading to better market access.
- Consumers: They enjoy better, safer food produced sustainably.
- The general population: They benefit from a healthier environment through the promotion of Good Agricultural Practices.
Benefits of Good Agricultural Practices
- Improved Safety: Enhances the working conditions of workers and the safety of consumers.
- Enhanced Family Farm Welfare: Contributes to food security.
- Environmental Protection: Prevents soil and water contamination, promotes rational management of agrochemicals, and conserves biodiversity.
- Food Safety: Ensures uncontaminated, healthy, and higher-quality food, improving nutrition.
- Animal Welfare: Promotes adequate animal care and feeding.
Why Implement Good Agricultural Practices?
With GAP:
- Safe, high-quality products improve family nutrition and health.
- Animal welfare is prioritized.
- Workers benefit from clean premises and production control reservoirs.
Without GAP:
- Products may be in poor condition and/or contaminated, affecting family health.
- Animals may become ill or weary.
- Workers may face contamination risks.
- Premises may have inadequate latrines and infrastructure, leading to discontent and confusion.
Defining the Economic Injury Level (EIL)
Integrated Pest Management aims to protect crops at the lowest cost while minimizing risks to humans, animals, agro-ecosystems, ecosystems, and the biosphere. An insect or other organism is considered a pest when its population reaches a level sufficient to cause economic losses. The EIL is the pest population density at which the cost of control equals the expected economic benefit. Control actions save a portion of the yield that would be lost without intervention.