Controlling biological pests and diseases effectively can be difficult. Sias Leipoldt, business development lead at Andermatt Madumbi, believes that a holistic approach to pest control is your best bet.
Fungi, mites, insects, harmful bacteria and other pests can be a farmer’s worst nightmare, ruining crops and devastating livelihoods. But with Andermatt Madumbi’s biological solutions, farmers can be assured that their plants are protected from pests and diseases in a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly way.
According to Leipoldt, the most effective pest control measures are holistic and take both the plant and the ecosystem in which it grows into consideration. He has over 20 years’ experience in the agricultural sector and started his journey into biological pest control in 2000.
“Andermatt Madumbi promotes a holistic approach. We believe there is a dedicated place for natural, biological products in every grower’s integrated pest management (IPM) programme. IPM is a common agricultural term with many different definitions.
“Our preferred definition is from the American entomologist, Dr Surendra Dara, which incorporates three factors: pest and disease control efforts need to firstly be economically viable or affordable, secondly it must be socially acceptable and, finally, they need to have a minimal impact on the environment.”
“The bottom line is that you don’t use or focus on a single product, but rather a combination of products or strategies.
“At Andermatt Madumbi our expertise lies in biological products but we recognise that these need to complement and work in combination with conventional chemistry. Our goal is to achieve maximum pest and disease control, with minimal impact on the environment.”
What are biologicals?
According to Leipoldt, controlling pests and diseases with the help of micro-organisms, predators and parasitoids is known as biological control.
These microbes are beneficial to plant health, as they encourage plant growth and increase plant nutrients, as well as aid disease suppression. The Biomanagement range offers farmers biofungicide products likes Double Nickel 55®, a soluble granule formulation made up of a beneficial bacteria that protects cucurbits (pumpkins and squash) from powdery mildew infections.
Eco-T®, another product in the range, is a wettable powder applied as a drench to the soil. It contains beneficial fungi that protect roots from diseases, enhance germination, and improve overall plant growth.
The range also includes bioinsecticides, like Delfin®, a wettable granule that helps control African bollworm larvae on lettuce and tomato leafminer on tomato plants. AmyProtec® 42, the biobactericide product in the range, is a soluble liquid that helps potatoes combat bacterial soft rot and black leg.
Some advice
Biological products, says Leipoldt, are becoming more mainstream. He cautions farmers to buy products from credible companies.
“I’ve been in the agricultural business for quite some time, and specifically with biological products.
“Today, there are more biologicals in agriculture than 20 years ago. It, unfortunately, means that there are a lot of fly-by-night companies that are selling inferior products and making unrealistic promises.”
“So, my advice would be for farmers to buy quality products and buy it from reputable companies, whether it’s the production or the distribution company, because they must ensure that [there are] quality assurance protocols in place.”
He explains that pest and disease control products must be registered in accordance with the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Seeds and Remedies Act 36 of 1947. “Farmers need to check whether those products are registered. At least that gives them some assurance that the relevant product has been tested commercially.”
Leipoldt also advises farmers to focus on prevention and not to wait until they are experiencing pests or disease before they act.
“When you look at biological products or biorational products, prevention is always better than cure. And that is why the focus is on producing healthy plants in healthy soils, and preferably with a healthy root system, in a healthy environment. That is always your first objective.”
“Unfortunately, in a monocrop system, I think we’ll always have challenges with regards to pests and diseases. And therefore, for a farmer, you need to implement an IPM programme.”
Pest control and disease management requires a multi-tier solution, says Leipoldt, and farmers need to have a realistic perspective around managing the issue. “Farmers should move away from looking for silver bullets or single products to sort out a problem, but rather look at a realistic IPM approach, where you combine the best of all categories to give you the solution that you’re looking for.”
ALSO READ: How to grow healthier, more resilient crops
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