Sustainable Practices for Vegetable
Production in the South
Dr. Mary Peet, NCSU
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In this chapter and the ones on diseases, nematodes, and weeds, discussions of specific pesticides adhere to the following guidelines. As a group, "synthetic" pesticides are not discussed and no information is presented on their use, toxicity, or crop reg istration. This information is available for North Carolina growers in the N.C. Agricultural Chemicals Manual which is updated annually. Similar publications are available in other states, and this information is also listed on labels and packaging information for such products. In some cases, specific agricultural chemicals are listed as examples of IPM-based control strategies or for other purposes of comparison or illustration.
Mention here does not mean they are currently registered or that they are still the best choice for control. Botanical pesticides and other mineral products sometimes labelled as "natural" are described in these chapters, and some information is given on their usage and toxicity. The reason for this inconsistency is that it is often hard for growers to obtain information on these products. Some, such as the Bt products (e.g. Dipel), are included in the N.C. Agricultural Chemicals Manual, but most are no t currently listed. Just because a botanical or mineral product is described here does not, however, mean that it is allowable in organic or other certification programs. Appendix 5 - Organic Certification Programs summarizes the general guidelines for the programs and also includes addresses of some of the certification programs in the South.
Each program has its own 'materials list' which details pesticides and other chemicals and the conditions under which they can be used. Often these guidelines change from year to year or are adapted to particular local situations. In summary, the inform ation presented in the IPM chapters is designed to present the principles of IPM and to offer examples and summarize hard-to-get information, but not to be used as a "cookbook" for pest control.
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Last Modified: Wednesday, December 4, 2002 11:09 AM