In task 3.1 of WP3-Plant, the use of copper, mineral oil and sulphur as plant protection measures is studied. While recording a representative use of these inputs in some important organic crops, other plant protection measures such as commercial beneficial organisms were also recorded. The use was recorded by interviewing at least one experienced advisor per crop, asking them to fill in a table describing a typical organic production of the relevant crop, emphasising the use of various inputs. Olives, apples, potatoes, oranges, broccoli and greenhouse tomatoes were studied.
6.2.1 Legal status for the use of contentious inputs
Same as for EU
6.2.2 Use of cooper in the most important organic crops 6.2.2.1 Tomato
Average use of copper: 1-4 kg per ha per year. Organic tomato is cultivated in greenhouses with adequate climate control which can ensure acceptable levels of temperature all year round. Application against of Phytophthora infestans, Xanthomonas spp. 4-10 applications per year according to the outside weather conditions (and accordingly internal, greenhouse environment) and the infection intensity.
6.2.2.2 Apple
Average use of copper 1.5-4 kg/ha/year. Applications against mainly apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) but also against powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha). 4-8 applications per year according to the outside weather conditions and the infection intensity.
6.2.2.3 Orange
Average use of copper: 1-3 kg/ha/year. Application against of Phytophthora spp., Alternaria spp., Colletotrichum spp. 1-2 applications per year according to the weather conditions and the infection intensity.
6.2.2.4 Broccoli
Average use of copper: 1-2 kg/ha/year. Application against of Alternaria brassicae and Peronospora brassicae. 4-6 applications per year according to the weather conditions and the infection intensity.
6.2.2.5 Potato
Average use of copper 5-6 kg/ha/year. Applications against of Phytophthora infestans 6-8 applications per year according to the weather conditions and the infection intensity.
6.2.2.6 Olive
From 1 to 6 kg Cu/ha/year, depending on weather conditions in particular areas, owner’s knowledge, and cultivar sensitivity (cvs Kalamata and Chondrolia are more sensitive to disease than cv Conservolea).
6.2.2.7 Summary
The use of copper in Greece is for some crops close to 6 kg/ha/ year but below 4 kg/ha/year for some other. It seems possible to reduce the allowed limit to 4 kg/ha/year with not many problems but it may be difficult to reduce this limit further, if other alternatives are not yet used in practice.
6.2.3 Use of mineral oils in the most important organic crops
Mineral oils are not usually used, instead some alternatives are listed.
6.2.3.1 Tomato
Applications according to the infection intensity and as described above against insects. Acaridoil (Potassium salts of fatty acids): 3-4 applications every 7-10 days dose: 19 kg/ha/year.
Laser: 2 applications every 10 days dose: 0.25 kg/ha/year, Serenade max: 2-4 applications dose: 2.5-4.0 kg/ha/year
6.2.3.2 Apple
Applications are made against the infection of insects. Usually 2-4 applications depending on the outside weather conditions and infection intensity. Admiral: 50-100 L/ha.
6.2.3.3 Orange
Applications are made against the infection of whiteflies and mites. Usually 2-4 applications depending on the outside weather conditions and infection intensity. Admiral: 80-160 L/ha
6.2.3.4 Broccoli
Nature Breaker (Pyrethrins): 2 applications every 7-10 days dose: 0.6 kg/ha
6.2.3.5 Potato
Usually not used.
6.2.3.6 Olive
Two to three applications yearly. Total from 30 to 90 L/ha/year, depending on insect pressure.
6.2.4 Use of Sulphur in the most important organic crops 6.2.4.1 Tomato
Sulphur is used according to the infection intensity (pathogens and mites). Care is taken to avoid the use it if bumblebees are used for pollination. 2-3 applications up to flowering. Average use is 2.5-5 kg/ha of sulphur per year.
6.2.4.2 Apple
Sulphur is not usually used. When used, against mites, it is done 1-2 times per year. Average use of sulphur is 3-7 kg/ha per year.
6.2.4.3 Orange
Sulphur is not usually used. When used, against mites, it is used 1-2 times per year. Average use of sulphur is 3-6 kg/ha per year.
6.2.4.4 Broccoli
Used against mites and other pathogens. Application 1-2 per year. Average use is 1-3 kg/ha per year.
6.2.4.5 Potato
Not usually used.
6.2.4.6 Olive
Against leaf-feeding insects, from 15-20 kg/ha/year, depending on insect pressure
6.2.5 Use of other plant protection products in the most important organic crops
Crop Other plant protection products
Tomato Fatty acid potassium salt (Savona, Acaridoil 13 SL,DUXON 13,9 SL) / Vivere-Fyt / Biological Control Agents Mycotal (Verticillium lecanii) Bacillus thuringiensis),
Aphidali (Adalia bipunctata), Chrysopa (Chrysoperla carnea), mating disruption against Tuta absoluta, Beneficials (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
Apple Spinosad (Laser 480 SC, Success 0,24 CB, Vivere-Fyt (Special mix with essences and plants extract), Ecocide(Special mix with essences and plants extract), Natural Essence Cinnamon (mix of essence oils and 100% cinnamon)
Citrus Spinosad (Laser 480 SC, Success 0,24 CB, Ecocide (Special mix with essences and plants extract), Natural Essence Cinnamon (mix of essence oils and 100% cinnamon)
Potato Bacillus thuringiensis (XenTari WG, Delfin WG, Bactecin DP)
Olives Lime-sulphur for disease and mite protection, Sprayable zeolite and kaolin for abiotic stress protection and olive fruit fly protection, Spinosad for olive fruit fly protection, Bacillus thuringiensis for insect protection, Pyrethrum extra for olive fruit fly protection.
6.2.6 Use of alternatives for copper, mineral oils and sulphur in the most important organic crops
Crop Alternatives for copper Alternatives for mineral oils Alternatives for sulphur Tomato Low copper grade fertilisers (Cu
2%-6%);
Plant defence stimulators
Fatty acid potassium salt (i.e. Savona)
Plant defence stimulators
None
Apple Low copper grade fertilisers (Cu 2%-6%);
Plant defence stimulators
Fatty acid potassium salt (i.e. Savona)
Plant defence stimulators
None
Citrus Low copper grade fertilisers (Cu 2%-6%);
Plant defence stimulators
Fatty acid potassium salt (i.e. Savona)
Plant defence stimulators
None
Potato Low copper grade fertilisers Plant defence stimulators)
None None
Olives Zeolite and kaolin sprays for disease and damage
minimization
Zeolite and kaolin sprays for insect damage minimization
None
6.3 Discussion and Conclusion for contentious inputs use in organic farming in Greece