Insect Pests and Hydroponics

atfslab (39)in #food • 7 years ago

Lettuce varieties are fresh vegetables that are easily grown. However, most lettuce types are susceptible to pests and irreparable damage. Though pests for lettuce depend on climate and region, there is a large variety that spans all over the world, including aphids, caterpillars, thrips, leaf miners, beetles, slugs, snail, and germs from the soil that are natural enemies to lettuce.

The best method is consistent prevention to lower the frequency of pest outbreaks, plus knowing your farm environment well to be in better control when outbreaks happen. For example, hydroponics does not use soil but nutrients, so extra care should go into controlling humidity. Smart farms that use insect screens have a lower frequency of insect damage, but once it occurs, the contained farm space assists in its rapid spread.

With all of this in mind, we’ve been contemplating what would be the best pest prevention technique for our Smart Farm 2.0.

During our research, we’ve realized that some plants like ginkgo, magnolia and maple trees, as well as rhizomes, paulownia leaves and bracken fern from the wild do not show traces of insect damage; these plants contain characteristics of an all-natural insect repellent. And the fantastic news? We are able to apply this to our crops in Smart Farm 2.0!

ATFS plans to set up an organic pest prevention system in our Smart Farm 2.0 using natural extracts, adding value to our smart farm products.

We have teamed up with an agricultural technology company that has been developing pest repellent for decades (company name confidential) so to pursue environmentally friendly pest control. For example, it is possible to prevent damage of aphids by using cosmos flower extract. This natural substance is approved by US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and though not organic, it acts as an all natural insect repellent.

ATFS intends to follow the teachings of mother nature and we want to this vision with the world.

Sources: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/lettuce/controlling-aphids-in-lettuce.htm