This post will be the first of many we expect to publish in hopes of offering peer-to-peer insights and information. In this first “Grower Interview” we will offer responses to five question we posed to an organic vegetable grower in Vermont who wishes to remain anonymous. Normally these interviews will be accredited with a link back to the interviewees’ site if they have one.
Interview
The headings below are our questions; the blockquotes that follow are the Vermont Grower’s responses.
How did you get started as a biocontrol practitioner?
“We are an organic operation, so there was no other option.”
What sort of challenges have you experienced?
“We have had major crop losses due to whiteflies, spider mites, russet mites, aphids, and engytatis. Our challenge was to adapt the knowledge of the industry, which is based on the strategic use of chemicals in conjunction with biocontrols. In our case, there was no chemical safety net, so our entire strategy was based on stopping all problems long before they become a problem.”
What was the biggest failure?
“We had a big loss to whitefly in 1998, and ended up pulling the crop a few months early.”
What was the biggest success?
“We haven’t had any negative economic impact from insects in four years.”
What advice would you offer others just getting started?
“Start the season clean. Keep insects out of the greenhouse with screens. Monitor carefully. Release beneficials when problem insect numbers are very low. Don’t buy in plant material.”
If you’re interested in being interviewed and have something to bring to the table, please contact us.
