Multicriteria evaluation of innovative IPM systems in pome fruit in Europe. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caffi, T.; Helsen, H.H.M.; Rossi, V.; Holb, I.J.; Strassemeyer, J.; Buurma, J.S.; Capowiez, Y.; Simon, S.; Alaphilippe, A.
• Is Part Of: Crop protection. Volume 97(2017)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Multicriteria assessment -- Innovative system adoption -- Brown spot -- Apple scab -- Pear psylla -- Codling moth; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; 632.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2016.12.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-2194

Abstract

Abstract: Pesticides represent the major input in pome fruit across Europe. They are mainly used on a calendar-based approach in order to control a large number of pests and diseases causing both direct and indirect losses. This situation has stimulated research for innovative tools and methods for pest management and the PURE project (www.pure-ipm.eu ) organised a biointensive framework to demonstrate that several solutions are now available but they need to be properly transferred to the growers to be applied on a large scale. This paper presents the experience of the PURE project across demonstration orchards in different countries. The aim was to develop a multicriteria evaluation to help more clearly define the advantages and disadvantages of applying innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, for different pests (pear psylla and apple codling moth) and diseases (pear brown spot and apple scab) on pome fruit, compared to standard IPM (i.e. currently adopted IPM system). The multicriteria approach permitted to assess environmental risks, economic effects and sustainability impact for each of the innovative systems tested. This multicriteria assessment showed that, in general, innovative performed better than standard for environmental quality and provided similar yield and pest management without any significant extra costs. Highlights: A multicriteria assessment was used to test the differences between IPM strategies in pome fruit across Europe. Innovative IPM strategies provided similar yield, pest and disease control compared to standard practices. Innovative IPM strategies performed better than standard practices for environmental quality. Innovative IPM strategies did not cause significant extra costs.