Biodynamic Pest and Disease Control in Vegetable Cultivation
Posted: 01 Feb 2013, 21:38
Pest and Disease Control in Vegetable Cultivation by Organic & Bio-dynamic Farming Methods
Jaison J. Jerome MSc (Agri), Kurinji Farms Manager, Chidambarapuram, Suchindrum (P.O.), Kanyakumari D.T. Tamil Nadu, India – 629 704, phone: 04652-58380. E-mail: jaisonjerome@yahoo.co.in)
Vegetables constitute a major portion in our diet. They play a vital role in human nutrition. They are very essential to provide all essential nutrients for good health. Nowadays due to the introduction of new hybrid varieties in vegetables, which are susceptible to pest and diseases, there is demand for more plant protection, usually with toxic chemicals. Moreover, even post harvest treatment requires Agro Chemicals before it reaches consumers, to increase the shelf life. As a result of all these practices, we are ultimately consuming high dosages of toxic chemicals, which are causing undiagnosable diseases for us.
Availability of organically grown, good quality vegetables is very low. The best solution for this could be developing a Kitchen Garden with all varieties of vegetables available round the year, and cultivating it by utilizing all Organic and Bio-dynamic agricultural principles and methods. Flat dwellers can practice it using pots, provided they have an open terrace. For those who have backyards, it provides a better chance to keep their surroundings clean and productive.
While cultivating vegetables in the farm or in a Kitchen Garden, pest and disease incidence in it will force people to go for any plant protection measures. Pest and disease occurs mainly due to wrong cultivation practices. Hence, to avoid pest and disease occurrence, the following agricultural practices should be taken into consideration under “Prevention is better than cure” ideology.
Jaison J. Jerome MSc (Agri), Kurinji Farms Manager, Chidambarapuram, Suchindrum (P.O.), Kanyakumari D.T. Tamil Nadu, India – 629 704, phone: 04652-58380. E-mail: jaisonjerome@yahoo.co.in)
Vegetables constitute a major portion in our diet. They play a vital role in human nutrition. They are very essential to provide all essential nutrients for good health. Nowadays due to the introduction of new hybrid varieties in vegetables, which are susceptible to pest and diseases, there is demand for more plant protection, usually with toxic chemicals. Moreover, even post harvest treatment requires Agro Chemicals before it reaches consumers, to increase the shelf life. As a result of all these practices, we are ultimately consuming high dosages of toxic chemicals, which are causing undiagnosable diseases for us.
Availability of organically grown, good quality vegetables is very low. The best solution for this could be developing a Kitchen Garden with all varieties of vegetables available round the year, and cultivating it by utilizing all Organic and Bio-dynamic agricultural principles and methods. Flat dwellers can practice it using pots, provided they have an open terrace. For those who have backyards, it provides a better chance to keep their surroundings clean and productive.
While cultivating vegetables in the farm or in a Kitchen Garden, pest and disease incidence in it will force people to go for any plant protection measures. Pest and disease occurs mainly due to wrong cultivation practices. Hence, to avoid pest and disease occurrence, the following agricultural practices should be taken into consideration under “Prevention is better than cure” ideology.