Redlands Roses, one of Kenya’s premier flower farms, has developed a highly sophisticated system for controlling False Codling Moth (FCM), a pest that poses a significant threat to rose crops. Their approach integrates a combination of modern pest control techniques, strict hygiene protocols, and continuous monitoring, all designed to ensure the health of their roses while minimizing environmental impact.
At the core of their strategy is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a holistic approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls to manage pests. A key component of this system is the use of monitoring traps, also known as delta traps due to their triangular shape. These traps are strategically placed both outside the greenhouses (90 traps) and inside (1 trap every 2,000 square meters) to track the population dynamics of FCM. The traps contain pheromone lures that attract male moths, disrupting their mating cycle. The pheromone lures are replaced monthly, along with the sticky cards beneath the traps that capture the moths. This ongoing monitoring allows Redlands Roses to understand pest trends and respond swiftly before infestations escalate.
In addition to the traps, Redlands Roses employs physical barriers to protect their roses. Nets are installed around the greenhouses to prevent the movement of insects from outside into the controlled environment. To ensure proper air circulation inside the greenhouses, the plastic sheeting is lifted from below, which not only regulates airflow but also helps maintain optimal growing conditions while keeping external pests at bay. This method, based on the principle of isolating the crops from external organisms, is foundational to preventing FCM and other pests from entering the greenhouse environment.
Once the roses are harvested from the greenhouses, they undergo an extensive post-harvest treatment process. The flowers are immediately taken to the retake/pre-cool area, where they are thoroughly inspected for diseases and pests. This step is crucial, as it provides an opportunity to detect any early signs of FCM infestation. If any presence of FCM is detected at this stage, an alarm is raised, and the specific greenhouse where the flowers were harvested is immediately identified. This allows for targeted actions to address the problem before it spreads.
After the initial inspection, the flower heads are dipped in a specially formulated solution designed to combat Botrytis, a common fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions. The solution also contains insecticides to eliminate any pests, including FCM, that may have survived the harvest. Botrytis is a persistent challenge for flower farms due to its dependence on environmental conditions, making this treatment an essential part of maintaining the quality of the roses.
The next stage in the process is a rigorous quality check. Here, scouts equipped with strong lights and magnifying lenses carefully examine the flowers for any signs of pests, such as FCM or other insects. This thorough inspection ensures that no pests remain hidden within the blooms. The flowers then pass through another round of checks after emerging from cold storage, where staff inspect them net by net for any signs of damage or remaining pests. This step is critical for ensuring that any FCM larvae or other insects that might have been missed are removed.
The ultimate goal of this meticulous post-harvest process is to remove any larvae that might be present in the flowers, ensuring that only the highest quality roses proceed to the grading area, where they are prepared for export. Redlands Roses recognizes that quality control is not just about aesthetics but also about protecting the health of their crops and ensuring their reputation as a producer of premium roses.
In addition to these direct pest control measures, Redlands Roses employs biological control methods by introducing natural enemies such as Trichogramma species , tiny parasitoids that target FCM eggs. This helps reduce the population of FCM without the need for extensive chemical interventions. If necessary, the farm may also employ targeted chemical control using environmentally friendly insecticides that have minimal impact on beneficial organisms.
Furthermore, the farm may adopt Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as part of their IPM strategy. This method involves releasing sterilized male FCMs into the environment. When these sterilized males mate with females, the resulting eggs are infertile, leading to a gradual reduction in the pest population.
By combining these diverse pest control techniques, Redlands Roses has developed a robust system that not only protects their crops but also minimizes their environmental footprint. Their commitment to sustainability, quality, and pest management ensures that they remain a leader in the flower industry, providing the world with beautiful, healthy roses.
