Integrated pest management on strawberry production in hanging gardens in Sologne (France)

Abstract

Actually, chemical uses must be reduced. Stakeholders are elaborating innovative techniques. In Sologne, the ‘Légumes Centre Actions’ experimental station is working together with the producers to set up Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control pest adapted to the local context. This project is using IPM techniques by introduction or conservation of beneficial agents associated with compatible chemicals. Pest and beneficial agent populations were monitored during five months on 4 ever-bearing strawberry plots cultivated in ‘hanging gardens’ to evaluate IPM strategies efficiency. 2011 results show that strategies have to be adapted at the farm level and even at the plot level. In addition, impact of landscape elements on pest and beneficial agents were highlighted. Multi-factors interact on IPM strategies success: production, environmental, climatic, human and economical factors. Sometimes IPM by introduction and conservation of beneficial agents is not sufficient (secondary pest, non installation of beneficial agents releases, pest resistance) and should be associated to other alternative methods. Insect proof net, coloured sticky cards, trapped plants or plant extracts seems to be interesting techniques to manage strawberry pest in a sustainable way.