ISHS Acta Horticulturae 659: VII International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Production, Pest Management and Global Competition
REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE FOR IPM CUCUMBERS IN SHAANXI, CHINA |
| Authors: | L. Mo, R. Knowles, Z. Zou |
| Keywords: | solar greenhouse, MRL, predators, whitefly, leafminer, downy mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis |
| Abstract:
Shaanxi Province is in the northwest of China at latitude 34°20′N, longitude 108°24′E and altitude 397 - 521m. It has a short and mild winter. The minimum January temperature is -5.3°C. The farmers in Shaanxi use solar greenhouses and walk-in tunnels on their small farms which are usually 1-2 mu (15mu = 1 hectare). Chemical control is still the main method to control pests and diseases on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L), and, furthermore, chemicals are used in large quantities and frequently. As a consequence, maximum residue levels (MRLs) are usually above Chinese national standards, placing IPM high on the agenda. In this paper, current practice for IPM cucumbers is introduced, including agricultural, ecological, physical, biological, and chemical controls. The main focus is on the methods which are used by local small farmers. Problems in current practice for IPM cucumbers are outlined. For example, few thresholds for treatment of pests have been established: many IPM methods are described in the literature without quantifying their use. Predators are not used on a large scale, and are not popular among farmers. Future research will be conducted on IPM methods appropriate to the needs of small farmers. | |
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