Israeli exporter Arava’s contracted herb growers are taking steps to stop the use of pesticides on undercover herb crops.
Jordan River Herbs is working with research farms and commercial suppliers to implement biological methods of pest control.
The project involves placing aubergine and celery plants throughout the greenhouses. These plants act as breeding stations, attracting white fly and thrips, enabling growers to monitor pest populations and introduce the predators directly to the plants.
The monitored greenhouses have not had any pesticide applications this season.
Arava’s herb field manager, Eliana Rabinovich, is observing the greenhouses to share any useful information with the company’s other affiliated growers.
Although it is too soon to draw any significant conclusions, Rabinovich says initial results are encouraging and Arava is hoping to be able roll out the technique on all indoor crops in the near future.
Meanwhile the company’s technical officer, Tali Sarig, has been conducting refresher courses in health and safety to bring all of Arava’s growers up to speed.
No comments yet