Evergreen Valley Avocado Estates — Pest & Disease Management Programme
Effective pest and disease management is crucial for maintaining orchard health, maximising marketable yield, and meeting the phytosanitary requirements of export markets. The company will implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that minimises chemical inputs while maintaining effective crop protection.
Section 24 · Business Plan
Pest & Disease Management Programme
Effective pest and disease management is crucial for maintaining orchard health, maximising marketable yield, and meeting the phytosanitary requirements of export markets. The company will implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that minimises chemical inputs while maintaining effective crop protection.
Effective pest and disease management is crucial for maintaining orchard health, maximising marketable yield, and meeting the phytosanitary requirements of export markets. The company will implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that minimises chemical inputs while maintaining effective crop protection.
24.1 Key Pests and Diseases
| Pest / Disease | Type | Impact | Management Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytophthora root rot | Fungal | Major – can cause tree death | Resistant rootstocks; phosphonate injections; drainage management |
| Anthracnose | Fungal | High – post-harvest fruit rot | Copper sprays; canopy management; timely harvesting |
| Cercospora spot | Fungal | Moderate – leaf and fruit damage | Copper-based fungicides; orchard hygiene |
| Fruit fly (Mediterranean) | Insect | High – export rejection risk | Sterile insect technique; bait stations; orchard monitoring |
| False codling moth | Insect | High – EU phytosanitary concern | Mating disruption; monitoring traps; cold treatment |
| Heart rot / stem-end rot | Fungal | Moderate – quality downgrade | Post-harvest temperature management; hygiene protocols |
| Thrips | Insect | Low-moderate – cosmetic damage | Biological control agents; targeted spraying |
| Scale insects | Insect | Low – manageable | Natural predators; horticultural oils |
24.2 Integrated Pest Management Strategy
The IPM programme is structured around four pillars:
rootstocks (Dusa® and Duke 7), proper orchard drainage design, optimal
tree spacing for airflow, and strict orchard hygiene protocols to
prevent pathogen spread.
staff using standardised monitoring protocols. Pheromone traps for fruit
fly and false codling moth. Weather-based disease prediction models to
optimise spray timing.
natural predators and parasitoids. Use of entomopathogenic fungi for
soil-borne pest management. Habitat creation for beneficial insects
through biodiversity corridors.
crop protection products only when pest thresholds are exceeded. Strict
adherence to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for export markets. Rotation
of active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
24.3 Phytosanitary Compliance for Export
Export to the European Union requires compliance with stringent phytosanitary protocols, particularly regarding fruit fly and false codling moth. The company will implement the Phytosanitary Export Programme as prescribed by DALRRD and audited by the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). This includes registered orchard inspection protocols, cold treatment or systems approach certification, pre-shipment inspection and phytosanitary certification, and full traceability from orchard block to export pallet.
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