Survey of current crop and pest management practices on black currant plantations in Poland.

摘要

In order to learn about the opportunities and challenges involved in implementing integrated black currant production in Poland, a structured questionnaire was designed to assess the current state of black currant production. The questionnaire was given to randomly selected growers in black currant-producing regions of the country. The questionnaire was designed to collect the following information: (a) general characteristics of farms and producers; (b) extent of black currant cultivation and its frequency distribution between farms; and (c) knowledge of proper management and production practices, with special attention to identifying pests, diseases and other factors, which decrease yield and fruit quality. Approximately 65% of the growers who participated in an Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) course are fully prepared to manage and protect their black currant plantations in accordance with the IFP guidelines. Some 54% of the respondents had problems with producing high quality product. Unpredictable profits from black currant production limit investment in modern spraying and harvesting machinery and newer, high quality cultivars. Further improvement is needed in monitoring for pests and diseases, attestation of spraying equipment, pesticide storage, and use of protective clothing while mixing and spraying pesticides. Recent European Union laws, decrees and funding pertaining to IFP training and certification should promote ecologically friendly black currant production in Poland. This study should serve as a reference point for the future evaluation of nationwide IFP training starting in 2005..