Pest Management Services for Agricultural and Municipal Landscapes

Reduce pest numbers and pesticide use by establishing populations of beneficial insects attracted to habitat plantings designed for particular farmscaping or landscaping needs as part of a Pest Management (IPM) plan.

Other benefits of habitat plantings and vegetative buffers include attracting pollinators, suppressing weeds, incorporating native plants into the farmscape or landscape, and increasing site biodiversity.   Hedgerows, vegetative screens, and shelter belts serve as windbreaks and buffer adjacent properties from noise and dust.

Vegetative filter strips can be employed to reduce surface runoff, erosion, and contaminants that contribute to non-point source pollution.   The use of straw rolls, coir blankets, or other methods can be included to assist in managing surface water and erosion.

• Survey the landowner or manager to determine which pest insects are of concern and whether there is a need for vegetative filter strips or other types of plantings.
• Inventory the plants existing onsite, identify the areas available for planting, and determine the locations for specific types of plantings.
• Conduct an analysis to determine which insectary plants are recommended to effectively attract the desired beneficial insects and which plants are recommended for use in vegetative filter strips or other plantings.
• Present recommendations in a written report that includes information on sources for the recommended plants and instructions for their planting and maintenance.

Issues facing farmers today center around efficiently and cost-effectively producing a crop and bringing it to market that meets consumer demands for safe and attractive fruits and vegetables.   Specific issues areas include:

• Postharvest disease management, packinghouse sanitation, and food safety practices.
• Protective treatments with sanitizers, cleaners, coatings, growth regulators, and fungicides.
• Postharvest produce physiology and diagnosis of postharvest disorders.
• Efficacy studies on postharvest treatments.
• Investigation of claims for damages in produce on arrival at shipping destination.

David Magney Environmental Consulting's Stephen L. Hoskinson is a California-licensed Agricultural Pest Control Adviser with a broad base of industry experience and supported by a full-service environmental consulting firm, is available to assist clients with (1) incorporation of ecologically based pest and pollution management practices into their operations, and (2) consultation on postharvest produce handling practices.