Portal de Jumilla
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IMIDA director ensures that the results achieved so far "are great improvements, since the reduction of chemical treatments is greater security for the farmer and the consumer"
The Ministry of Agriculture and Water, through Murciano Research Institute and Agricultural Development and Food (IMID), continues to work to improve the biological control program Jumilla pear.
The aim is to deepen the understanding of the interactions of natural enemies Psyla pear, major pest of this crop.
So far, the IMIDA has managed to increase the populations of natural enemies and control effectively Psyla.
Thus, we have reduced chemical treatments to a single application, in winter, a low toxicity mineral oil.
The knowledge of the interaction of natural enemies will improve the management program and almost entirely without insecticide products.
According to the director of IMIDA, Adrian Martinez, the results achieved so far "are great improvements, since the reduction of chemical treatments is safer for both the farmer and the consumer, as well as to provide a quality product in the market. "
The Psyla produces honeydew that accumulates on leaves and fruit, which is then colonized by sooty mold, a fungus that just depreciate the commercial value of the crop.
To combat this pest, farmers of the Designation of Origin Jumilla pear, came to make up to ten treatments per year with an average of three chemicals by application, without ever getting the results they expected.
This dynamic of increasing treatments became untenable because of its high cost, which amounted to over 700 euros per hectare.
For this reason IMIDA asked the six years to seek a biological solution to this problem.
According to Juan Antonio Sánchez, Department of Biotechnology and Crop Protection IMIDA, each culture has its natural enemy community.
In the case of pear Jumilla, there were three groups: a predatory bugs, spiders and ants.
For five years, the researchers conducted monitoring crops, weekly samples, and found that the growth of these three groups was associated natural enemies to reduce the density of said pest.
Finally developed a management program for transmission to farmers appellation.
Research continues to deepen the knowledge of the agro.
According to Juan Antonio Sanchez, it is important to understand the interactions between natural enemies.
We know, for example, that the ants are beneficial because they produce molasses removed the Psyla and aphids, but for this reason moved to any insect or arachnid, or any organization that is in the crops that do not produce a profit.
You have to know very well what interactions to improve the program management of all these elements.
Quality product
Jumilla is the largest producing area in Spain and Europe this variety of pear that has Denomination of Origin, composed of 116 producers.
The acreage is 330 acres.
Although this variety is not native, is well adapted to the climatic conditions of the territory Jumillano, that give this fruit very specific organoleptic qualities.
The white juicy pulp Jumilla pear, lightly scented and excellent flavor, makes this fruit is highly appreciated in the markets.
Moreover, its early harvest allows obtaining good prices.
Source: CARM
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