RADA advises farmers to monitor for pests and manage plant health after heavy rains
/ Our Today
administrator
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is advising farmers to be vigilant for pests following recent heavy rains.
Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer, Francine Webb, emphasized the importance of increased scouting to detect any pest resurgence.
She recommended the use of traps to manage pest populations, stating: “You want to do that early so you are better able now to apply the appropriate intervention methods, whether or not it’s insecticides or other integrated pest management strategy that will help in reducing the level of pests in the field.”
Webb also highlighted the challenge posed by unchecked pests in plant rehabilitation, particularly after heavy rains, which can leach essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium from the soil. To mitigate nutrient deficiencies, she advised: “Applying a balanced fertiliser or some foliar sprays such as your potassium nitrate will help to mitigate deficiencies and help in reducing stress.”
Additionally, farmers are encouraged to collect data and record any disease issues on their farms. This information will assist in future planning, helping to inform long-term solutions such as planting cover crops and improving soil health.
Webb noted: “You want to be able to have that information, so that you can better utilise it in being more resilient or quickly returning your field to normal once we encounter these weather events.”
Farmers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their nearest RADA parish office or call 876-977-1158.
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