A berry farm in the Lublin region of Poland has implemented an innovative integrated protection strategy designed to reduce pesticide use while maintaining high fruit quality and production standards.
The approach combines disease risk models supported by on-farm meteorological data to guide fungicide decisions. Systemic fungicides are applied only when infection risk is high, while biological alternatives are used when disease pressure is lower. This allows growers to tailor plant protection measures more precisely to actual crop needs.
The farm also uses the ResiYou residue prediction tool, which helps plan crop protection treatments by estimating potential residue levels. This supports informed decision-making and contributes to compliance with market and retail requirements.
Pest management is based on monitoring with traps, targeting key pests such as blueberry leaf midge, raspberry cane midge and Drosophila suzukii. Control of Drosophila suzukii is achieved using Decis Traps, avoiding the need for insecticide applications against this pest.
The combined use of decision support systems, residue prediction tools, pest monitoring and biological methods represents an innovative approach in Poland. Although implementation costs are approximately €500 per hectare, these investments can be offset through reduced input use, improved fruit quality and lower production losses.
By relying on data rather than routine treatment schedules, the system improves production safety, supports compliance with retail standards and strengthens farmers’ decision-making. The approach demonstrates how digital tools and integrated pest management strategies can contribute to more sustainable and efficient berry production.
