In the crop production process, harvest is where the results of agronomic management can be seen. Good management not only results in quality fruit with longer shelf life, but also in the number of productive weeks and, therefore, in the profitability of the business. The implementation of a biological control program is one of the key tools that can help you achieve this. This is attested to by La Hacienda Fresh, a company that has developed great expertise in the integrated management of pests and diseases, making it a benchmark in know-how in the production of peppers.
The harvest cycle for peppers varies according to region and production conditions. At La Hacienda Fresh, reaching up to 42 weeks has been possible thanks to the reduction of crop stress by reducing the pesticide load. José Luis Loera, production manager, explains:
"Biological pest control has helped us to have a better yield by lengthening the harvest weeks. We have managed to reach 42 weeks thanks to the fact that agrochemical applications have decreased considerably by up to 40%, depending on the cycle," he said.
Hacienda Fresh and Koppert have been implementing a successful biological pest control program for the past four years. Together they have managed to control pests such as spider mites, thrips, aphids and mealy bugs. José Manuel Tafoya, junior production manager, the release of natural enemies of these pests and the reduction of agrochemical applications have had a positive impact on their crops. "Koppert products are easy to implement, as long as we go hand in hand with the consultant to be able to release in a timely manner... we have seen the impact reflected in a safe environment for the worker and a better quality of fruit for export, since it is produced in safer conditions."
