Brian Duggan

Project Title: Identifying how to improve Knowledge Transfer relating to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on Irish arable farms

Project Description 
The combination of the EU directive on the sustainable use of pesticides (Directive 2009/128/EC) and the decreasing availability of pesticides through increasingly stringent regulations or resistance development have increased the need for integrated pest management (IPM) at farm level.

IPM includes the use of non-chemical methods such as good agronomy and crop husbandry practices as well as optimising available chemical control measures in an appropriate manner to control pests (including weeds, diseases, vertebrates and invertebrates).

The success of such practices and/or means of improving are dependent on understanding current perceptions, adoption and sources of pest management advice. Understanding these will provide the opportunity to tailor future knowledge transfer solutions to meet the needs of Irish arable farmers.

Teagasc Supervisor: Mr Michael Hennessy

UCD Supervisor: Dr Angela Feechan

Download: Brian Duggan presentation (Powerpoint)