Last month, growers and industry members gathered at our demonstration site in Virginia, South Australia, for a workshop on integrated pest management (IPM).

The workshop was held as part of a field day in collaboration with Protected Cropping Australia. After visiting two nursery operations to see high-tech grafted tomato transplant production in action, around 30 growers and agronomists visited our demonstration site hosted by Braham Produce. It was great to see many local Vietnamese growers attend the event as well as those who had travelled from interstate.

Since 2011, Andrew and Zurri Braham of Braham Produce have used an IPM approach to control Western Flower Thrips and other key pests in their glasshouse capsicum crops.

Despite challenges along the way, Andrew and Zurri have persevered with their IPM program and now consistently achieve control of pests using this method.

Training and continuous improvement key to success

During the workshop, Soil Wealth ICP team member Dr Doris Blaesing, Andrew, Zurri and the team from Biological Services discussed his journey with IPM and the challenges he has overcome; participants had many questions, which were answered.

Andrew reinforced the importance of taking a “whole business approach” to IPM and training staff so they know which insects to look for in a crop. He added that IPM can work more effectively when all farms in a growing region work together to implement IPM strategies and limit pest numbers.

While IPM can be challenging, Andrew said it was important to keep persisting to improve practices.

Following the workshop, attendees could view a display of beneficial insects and IPM information from Biological Services and ask further questions. A small group also toured one of Andrew’s glasshouse facilities to see how IPM works in practice, adhering to the strict biosecurity protocols in place.

A BBQ was then held to continue networking and discussions.

The Soil Wealth ICP team would like to thank Andrew and Zurri Braham for hosting the event, as well as Protected Cropping Australia, AUSVEG SA, Biological Services, Bugs for Bugs and E.E. Muir and Sons for their support.

Read more about Andrew and Zurri’s experience with IPM on their farm in this case study.

L-R: Andrew Braham and attendees on a tour of a glasshouse at Braham Produce and a display of beneficial insects from Biological Services.