(Guelph, ON – August 15, 2008) - In the past 10 years, Ontario farmers have reduced their pesticide use by over 50 per cent and flower growers are no exception to this trend. Now, however, a newly developed software program, is going to make it even easier for Ontario’s 650 flower growers to manage both pests and costs.

With $55,000 in funding provided through the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI), Flowers Canada, in conjunction with Engage Agro has developed “SprayScout.” Basically, this new computer program allows greenhouse flower growers to easily record their pesticide applications, and generate reports analyzing the use of pesticides in their greenhouse operations. The software also contains educational information about many of the diseases and insects that harm flowers.

Flower growers are large users of biological controls. There are relatively few pesticides which can be used on cut flowers, and those which are available are very expensive. Any pest control products used in Canada are regulated by the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency under Health Canada and the Ministry of Environment. Basically, then, wherever possible, flower growers use pests to control pests and most growers actually hire ‘pest scouts’ to come into their greenhouses on a regular basis to determine what insects of diseases exist. By using sticky cards, flying pests can be trapped, and evaluated as to their identity and population. This new software will be able to incorporate this ‘bug data’ and help the farmer determine when and what controls need to be used.

SprayScout is currently being tested by a number of growers on a number of different flower crops, with their feedback to be incorporated into a final version to be distributed to all members in the fall of 2008. Irwin Smith, executive director of Flowers Canada Ontario, is pleased with the response from members. “They want it as soon as possible. They realize that not only does this software streamline record keeping, it makes it so much easier to maintain data in an industry-standardized format. Growers can track pests, review past years, and access current information on pesticide application rates, alternative controls and so much more. It’s basically a Quicken for Plants.”

For Ontario growers looking to the export market, this tool is also of great benefit, as it creates detailed records to verify to importing countries that the flowers are free of disease.

“The public ultimately benefits from this program,” states Peter Vander Zaag, Chair of the AMI. “Growers have always used pesticides in a responsible way, but this software allows them to accurately determine what needs to be applied, when, and at what rate. This ultimately will ensure that they can manage costs, and help the environment by only using what is necessary. Cutting costs means that Ontario growers can continue to produce top quality flowers and ultimately compete with the rest of the world. Consumers want to buy local. We want to provide them with that opportunity. ”

The Agricultural Management Institute, administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council, is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through the Agricultural Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

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For more information:
Ian Barrett, Communications Manager
Agricultural Adaptation Council
Ph: 519-822-7554, E-mail: ibarrett@adaptcouncil.org
Website: www.adaptcouncil.org  OR www.takeanewapproach.ca