Our Vegetable Knowledge

The value of crop monitoring

• Crop monitoring, or scouting, is a crucial practice in vegetable production, giving growers the information they need for timely and effective management decisions. By keeping a close eye on crops, growers can detect pests and diseases early, when they are much easier to manage. For example, young caterpillar larvae are far easier to control than later instars.

• Knowing your target is key. Understanding which species are present and in what numbers, as well as whether they are pests or beneficials, allows the use of selective insecticides that limit harm to non-target species. Relying on broad-spectrum products wipes out natural enemies and can trigger outbreaks of secondary pests, such as aphids or whitefly, that were previously under natural control.

• Monitoring is usually conducted in crop by assessing plants directly. Traps are also widely used, indicating what is flying into or around the crops and giving warning of upcoming pest pressure. Sticky traps, while non-selective, are particularly useful for catching small flying insects like thrips, aphids, and psyllids. Pheromone traps, on the other hand, use species-specific lures and are highly effective for monitoring certain pests, such as moths.

• Good in-field scouting also allows early signs of disease to be recognised. This is especially important because most fungicides act preventatively, protecting plants from infection but offering little control once symptoms are visible. Even fungicides with known curative activity, such as DMIs (Group 3), generally perform better when used preventatively.

For more information on identifying and managing diseases to produce high quality tubers, contact your local Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticulture Representative.