Plant protection & pest control: Responsible handling for healthy plants
Modern plant protection is a central component of garden care, professional agriculture and agriculture as a whole. Its aim is to protect plants, crops and vegetables from pests, plant diseases, viruses, fungi, bacteria and other harmful organisms. The difficulty lies in the fact that nature, the environment and the health of humans, animals and beneficial organisms must be protected at the same time.
Pest control is not an isolated process, but a combination of knowledge, experience, prevention and targeted measures that need to be adapted depending on the area, plant species and infestation situation. Plant protection is always a balancing act between necessary protection and the responsible use of plant protection products (PPPs), whether at home, in the garden, in buildings, on professional farms or in the field.
At egli jona, we know the challenges and can offer you various solutions to protect your plants.
Challenges in modern plant protection
The demands on plant protection have risen sharply in recent years. These include aspects such as climate change, new types of pests, global trade and changing production conditions, which mean that farmers, gardeners and private individuals are increasingly confronted with complex situations.
Pest infestations, diseases and weeds can cause enormous damage, both in professional production and in private gardens. At the same time, consumer interest in sustainable solutions that protect the environment and promote biodiversity is growing.
Swiss institutions such as Agroscope research new methods, processes and strategies to further develop plant protection. Their findings are put into practice and support farmers, gardeners and pest controllers in their challenging daily work.
Prevention: the most important part of plant protection
The most effective form of pest control is prevention. The aim is to create conditions that prevent pests and diseases from developing in the first place so that aggressive and harmful agents do not have to be used.
Important preventive measures
The most important preventive measures in the context of plant protection include
- Selection of resistant varieties and high-quality seed to prevent infestation
- Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds, parasitic wasps or birds, which take care of plant protection naturally and minimise the risk
- Regular hoeing to control weeds
- Optimal site selection and good soil care
These measures significantly reduce the amount of intervention required and strengthen the plants in a natural way.
Biological and mechanical processes
A key trend in modern plant protection is the promotion of natural processes in order to maintain harmony with the environment and sustainability in plant protection. Beneficial insects do some of the work and play an important role in plant protection by eating insects, mites or larvae. Birds also contribute, which is why targeted bird defence is only used where it is really necessary.
Mechanical methods such as hoeing, collecting or removing infested plant parts are particularly suitable for private individuals to help protect the plants by hand. These methods are environmentally friendly and reduce the risk of resistance to chemical agents, but are quite costly, especially in larger gardens.
Chemical plant protection: Responsible use of PPPs
The use of plant protection products (PPPs) remains a necessary part of pest control in many areas. However, the principle should be adhered to: as much as necessary, as little as possible.
Professional users require a specialist licence to ensure that they dose, apply and store the products correctly. The correct handling of chemical products of this type not only protects the plants, but also the health of humans, animals and the environment. Their use should not be taken lightly.
Principles for the safe use of plant protection products
The use of plant protection products is strictly regulated and you must be familiar with the following principles:
- Use only with exact dosage and the correct amount
- Use only when actually required
- Protection of water, soil and beneficial organisms
- Documentation of all measures
- Exclusive use of tested products
Innovative methods: confusion technology, biological agents and modern control
There are always new means, methods and procedures that are more or less effective. For example, new methods help to control insects without direct control and thus get rid of them.
Agents of biological origin based on fungi, bacteria or plant extracts are also gaining in importance. They have a targeted effect against certain harmful organisms without unnecessarily harming the environment, as they have a biological effect.
Another option is digital systems, which have now also found their way into gardens. They enable precise control of infestations. Sensors, monitoring apps and data analyses help farmers and businesses, for example, to react to problems at an early stage.
Pest control in the home and in buildings
If there are serious pest problems in the home or in larger buildings, such as flies, ants or other insects, professional pest controllers with the necessary training offer safe and sustainable solutions that protect both the residents and the environment. In such cases, you should not do it yourself, but rely on professional help.
Plant protection in the garden
For hobby gardeners and anyone who loves and cares for their garden, plant protection and especially pest control is often a challenge. Pests, diseases and weeds appear suddenly and spread quickly. You often have the feeling that you can't react quickly enough.
Simple but effective measures such as regular monitoring, the promotion of beneficial insects, proper irrigation and the targeted use of biological agents can help here.
Tips for private individuals
The following tips can help you with plant protection:
- Check plants regularly for signs of infestation
- Encourage beneficial organisms instead of fighting them
- Remove infested plant parts at an early stage
- Only use authorised agents
- Follow the information on the website of the authorities and pay attention to the instructions of the manufacturers of plant protection and pest control products
Expert support from egli jona in plant protection and pest control
Plant protection is a sensitive topic that requires knowledge, experience and responsible handling of harmful organisms, pesticides and natural processes. This topic is extremely important in agriculture in particular. But it can also suddenly play a major role in your own garden. This is precisely where egli jona ag supports garden owners, businesses and private individuals with sound advice and practical solutions. Our team of experts knows the challenges posed by pests, plant diseases, viruses, fungi, bacteria and weeds and develops measures that protect both the health of plants and nature.
At egli jona, we offer expert support geared to the needs of private individuals, whether it is analysing an acute pest infestation, selecting suitable methods, promoting beneficial insects, the correct application of PPPs or the long-term protection of crops.
With a broad understanding of biological relationships and a responsible view of the environment, we at egli jona develop solutions that have a lasting effect and at the same time remain practicable. Anyone who needs help or is interested in an individual assessment will find a partner in us who works with expertise, care and a genuine passion for plants.
Sustainable nature conservation starts with good advice
Effective plant protection is always a combination of prevention, control, targeted measures and a respectful approach to nature. Long-term damage can only be avoided if pests, diseases and other dangers are recognised early and correctly classified. Modern methods, biological processes and a conscious use of plant protection products make it possible to protect plants without unnecessarily harming the environment.
Plant protection is an essential component of healthy plants and stable crops. Those who rely on competent partners such as egli jona ag benefit from professional safety, customised solutions and a sustainable strategy that strengthens plants and protects nature. If you too would like to strengthen your plants in the long term, control pests safely or develop sustainable solutions for your garden or farm, contact us, we are at your side personally.
