Definition and role in the reduction of phytosanitary products : set of technical choices relating to seeds and plants aimed at preventing and limiting the establishment and development of one or more bioaggressors on a crop. The choices relate to the use of (multi)resistant or tolerant varieties, the use of seeds, healthy plants (vitroplants) and rootstocks if necessary, their preventive treatment against diseases.
Against which pests? Nematodes, insects (cassava ants), viruses (TYLCV, PYMV, OYDV), bacteria (responsible for bacterial wilt of solanaceae), fungi (responsible for anthracnose, brown rhizoctonia, Phytophthora sp., Curvularia , etc.).
On which crops? It is important to have healthy material for all tropical crops.
When ? From sowing and/or planting.
In what conditions ? The use of quality plant material must be made in a clean environment. It is necessary to have a good knowledge of the bio-aggressors likely to attack the crop as well as the agronomic specificities of the farm, but also the particular requirements linked to outlets and quality labels.
Regulation : all varieties of regulated species used for the marketing of production must be registered in the official catalogue. Seed treatments must be carried out with approved phytosanitary products. The labeling of seeds and seedlings by the SOC (Official Control and Certification Service) is imperative: it must specify the name of the species and variety, the country of production, the net weight or the number, the sampling date for official analysis and batch origin. Certification is required for some plant materials. Crops of certified plants are subject to controls at all stages of multiplication, in particular with regard to their bio-aggressors. The certification makes it possible to verify the varietal identity, the varietal purity and offers health guarantees for certain organisms listed in the technical certification regulations.
Working time: increase in working time for any techniques carried out on the farm (grafting and treatment of seeds and seedlings) before sowing and/or planting, which can be compensated for by reducing phytosanitary treatments. These investments in working time will always be beneficial for the future.
Compatibility of alternative techniques with each other :
Crops
