Articles
Insights from a course experience on ecological management in organic fruit farming
Article number
1427_28
Pages
207 – 214
Language
English
Abstract
In response to local demand, in 2018, the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil introduced a pioneering course entitled “Ecological management of plant diseases and pests” within its postgraduate program in Agroecosystems.
This course, delivered annually, spans 45 instructional hours per semester and is structured to address the comprehensive diagnosis of agricultural issues through a holistic lens, while also delving into crop protection strategies within the framework of different types of alternative agriculture.
Central to the course’s syllabus are strategies for ecologically sound control of plant diseases and pests, anchored in a meticulously crafted pyramid model comprising six tiers: 1) Agroecological zoning, 2) Nutritional optimization and genetic resistance, 3) Design and orchestration of agroecosystems, 4) Utilization of biological agents such as predatory arthropods, parasitoids, entomopathogens, antagonists and exogenous resistance inducers, 5) implementation of selective control methods like insect traps and repellents, and 6) application of naturally derived biocides such as the Bordeaux mixture, lime sulfur and plant extracts.
The underlying concept of this model accentuates its foundational tier; thereby emphasizing that methods situated at the lower position of the pyramid denote systems characterized by heightened expansiveness, efficiency, stability, and sustainability.
Drawing on six years of experience, this paper presents and discusses the pyramid model approach as an effective framework for teaching students about ecological management while systematically exploring innovative methods applicable to organic fruit production.
This course, delivered annually, spans 45 instructional hours per semester and is structured to address the comprehensive diagnosis of agricultural issues through a holistic lens, while also delving into crop protection strategies within the framework of different types of alternative agriculture.
Central to the course’s syllabus are strategies for ecologically sound control of plant diseases and pests, anchored in a meticulously crafted pyramid model comprising six tiers: 1) Agroecological zoning, 2) Nutritional optimization and genetic resistance, 3) Design and orchestration of agroecosystems, 4) Utilization of biological agents such as predatory arthropods, parasitoids, entomopathogens, antagonists and exogenous resistance inducers, 5) implementation of selective control methods like insect traps and repellents, and 6) application of naturally derived biocides such as the Bordeaux mixture, lime sulfur and plant extracts.
The underlying concept of this model accentuates its foundational tier; thereby emphasizing that methods situated at the lower position of the pyramid denote systems characterized by heightened expansiveness, efficiency, stability, and sustainability.
Drawing on six years of experience, this paper presents and discusses the pyramid model approach as an effective framework for teaching students about ecological management while systematically exploring innovative methods applicable to organic fruit production.
Publication
Authors
M.J. Stadnik, A.S. Poltronieri, C.R. Lourenzi, C.A. Butignol
Keywords
agroecology, education, plant diseases, pests, nutrition
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