Residue reduction starts pre-planting

Certis launched the CleanStart brand at Fruit Focus, emphasising the need to reduce pests and diseases to a minimum before planting.

The key message behind the launch of the CleanStart brand at Fruit Focus was that the secret of residue reduction is to tackle - or at least do everything possible to reduce - pests and diseases pre-planting.

CleanStart is linked to the re-launch of soil sterilant Basamid. Robert Lidstone of horticultural crop protection specialists Certis said treating the soil rather than the crop up to a year before harvest is the best way to minimise residues and ease subsequent disease and pest problems in the crop.

“But, CleanStart doesn’t stop at soil sterilisation. We’re promoting taking a more holistic approach to crop production where staying clean is an on-going priority.” Lidstone pointed to the CleanStart programme introduced for strawberries that outlines potential pest and disease issues from pre-planting, through to early leaf, flowering, harvest and post-harvest.

“CleanStart stands for a concept based around the idea of starting clean and staying clean. It fits well into an IPM strategy based around observation, prevention and intervention as and when required,” he said.

Taking strawberry production as an example Lidstone added: “It starts with the sourcing of high quality runners; dipping them to eliminate and protect from any possible root borne infection; planting into clean sterilised soil; introducing beneficial insects to reduce pest pressure; and the use of IPM compatible treatments where pests or diseases threaten.

“By primarily focussing on prevention, the need for the application of treatments due to a major pest or disease outbreak can be reduced, and the crop protection products applied are also likely to be more effective.

“The CleanStart programme also demonstrates how the Certis crop protection programme extends through the entirety of the production cycle.”

Many growers already diligently apply CleanStart preventative principles, introducing the CleanStart programme aims to help growers focus on the bigger picture, he said.