Alternative management options of couch grass and insect pests of oilseed crops

Objectives:

1) To produce information applicable to practical crop production on alternative methods of control of couch grass (Elymus repens). Also, the profitability of the methods, as well as the effects of the possible removal of glyphosate on crop rotation planning and field tillage practices, are evaluated.

2) To produce information applicable to practical crop production on alternative control methods of oilseed crop pests, flea beetles and pollen beetles. Also, the profitability of the methods is evaluated.

3) Raise awareness among farmers, advisors and industry about alternative pest management measures.

4) Promote the objectives of the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection (NAP, Tukes 2018) in accordance with the EU Framework Directive (2009/128 / EC).

Effectiveness and benefits:

Based on the results of the study, it will be possible to make recommendations to agricultural advisors, farmers and the cereals and oilseeds industry on effective and economical alternative management methods for couch grass and oilseed crop pests.

With the help of the results of the project, Finnish farmers will be able to prevent the proliferation of couch grass in the fields even without glyphosate. In oilseed cultivation, flea and pollen beetles can be controlled by new chemical-free means. The project will produce new crop rotation recommendations that will guide the use of the fields. New plant protection methods ensure the profitability and competitiveness of Finnish crop production. Domestic production of oilseeds can continue, which supports self-sufficiency and security of supply. Consumer confidence is strengthened by the fact that Finnish agricultural production does not pose a threat to the environment and human health.

The introduction of alternative control measures will reduce the use of pesticides in the fields in line with the objectives of the NAP. The new recommendations on crop rotation and plant protection methods generated by the project can be taken into account when updating the conditions for agricultural environmental subsidies.