The phytosanitary management of horticultural crops and fruit with organic production

Abstract

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations. In the European Union, organic grown products should meet the standards defined by EEC Rule 2092/91 and EC Rules 834/07 and 889/08. These standards identify synthetic substances that may be used and non-synthetic substances that cannot be used in organic agricultural operations. Biological control using natural enemies of arthropod pests and other non-chemical approaches such as the application of mechanical and physical methods are the most common strategies to manage arthropod and nematode pests for the production of organic foods. Long-lasting entomological and nematological studies and field investigations, conducted for almost half century at the University of Catania, have provided the growers with effective non-chemical control methods to manage arthropod and nematode pests in vegetable and fruit crops grown in eastern Sicily. The late Prof. Alfio Nucifora played a major role in promoting and developing this applied field work, which benefitted greatly Sicilian growers. The importance of the accomplishments of his research in helping the growers and protecting the environment are emphasized.