Crop Module: Melon - Red Tractor Assurance
Contents
1. CHOICE OF VARIETY OR ROOTSTOCK AND PLANT HEALTH CERTIFICATION STANDARD OF PROPAGATED MATERIAL BUYING IN PLANTS Growers should visit their propagators to inspect their plants prior to delivery Mostnurseries now buy plants in from external propagators and it is important to ensure that the propagator complies with the requirements set out Growers should formalise the supply contract with their propagators and agree to the various standards required stipulating the pesticides that can be used and the size of plant at delivery etc Growers should ensure their supplier adheres to their contractual requirements by requesting records of plant treatments and visiting to inspect plants before delivery It is recommended that for the benefit of both parties plants should be carefully inspected on delivery and any concerns complaints notified immediately to the propagator Pesticide application records should also be checked to ensure there will be no conflicts with biological control used in cropping E COLI AND FOOD POISONING The risks from food poisoning organisms in this crop are minimal but both the propagator and the grower have to be aware of the risks from contamination with animal manures and dirty water See generic protocol for further details SITE AND SOIL MANAGEMENT SM SPECIFIC HYGIENE MEASURES Old crop removal The previous crop must be cleaned up before its removal from the greenhouse as follows a If2. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus NEW VIRUS POTENTIAL THREAT TO UK CROPS A new virus that is similar to Green Mottle Mosaic Virus was identified in 2002 in the Middle East and Japan There has also been a report in the UK of a new form of Pale Green Mottle Mosaic Virus These viruses have the potential to reduce crop yields and fruit quality so any suspicious symptoms should be investigated by appropriate specialists More details will be made available as and when they are published Rootstock developments including resistance to Green Mottle Mosaic Virus are coming through this may be useful in reducing the problem NUTRITION AND IRRIGATION Steps should be taken to minimise nitrate levels in applied nutrient solutions It is recommended that water and nutrients are re circulated but only where thorough sterilisation is available Because of proposed changes in legislation growers are advised to investigate re circulation In any case irrigation requirement should be closely matched to crop need and steps should be taken to minimise nutrient run off particularly nitrate and phosphate into soil and water courses To assist in the correct calculation of irrigation volume of run off should be measured and samples analysed for nutrient content to ensure the correct quantity of nutrients are applied Most production areas are now in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones NVZ following the changes in designation growers should be aware of
3. before crop removal WFT is controlled during the life of the crop using biological control so that populations do not present a threat in carry over O Assured Food Standards 2015 STANDARDS CQ 198 b At the end of cropping you must remove the crop weeds and all debris and dispose of them CQ 198 c Where debris is left in a skip awaiting collection it must be covered with plastic sheeting CQ 198 d Inside the glasshouse including heating pipes irrigation lines drip pegs hoses crop wires and other equipment used in the glasshouse must be washed down and treated with disinfectant e g gluteraldehyde peroxyacetic acid benzoic acid etc CQ 198 e Pest activity in the empty glasshouse must be monitored Traps must be examined regularly for pests and appropriate action taken if any are caught CQ 198 f Before new plants are placed in glasshouses new traps must be hung and should be assessed and replaced regularly throughout the life of the crop CQ 198 g Before replanting and at regular intervals during the season you must destroy all weeds around the glasshouse CQ 198 h Disinfectant foot dips must be placed at the entrance to all glasshouses and used by all on entry CQ 198 i There must be designated areas for eating drinking smoking which are separate to the cropping areas CQ 198 j The rates of introduction of biological control measures must be based on recommendations of the biological control suppli
4. Black stem rot Didymella syn Mycosphaerella E Penicillium stem rot E Pythium root and stem base rot E Various relevant virus diseases in particular Cucumber Mosaic virus Green Mottle Mosaic virus Beet Pseudo Yellows virus Melon Necrosis virus Tobacco Necrosis virus E Greenhouse whitefly Bemisia whitefly E Spider mites and other mites Caterpillar damage Leaf miner damage E Leaf hopper damage Thrips Staff should know who to report to when the above pests and diseases or other problems regularly found on a particular nursery are first detected during the season Managers and supervisors should appreciate the relative risk to their crops from the relevant pests and diseases IN SERVICE TRAINING Training in identification of pests and diseases their damage and their biological controls and an appreciation of the objectives of this protocol should be given to each new member of staff All staff working on the nursery both regular and casual should be instructed as necessary to satisfy COSHH requirements with respect to pesticide treatments and to satisfy the requirements of the General Food Hygiene Regulations MONITORING Regular monitoring of the biological control agents pests and diseases is of vital importance It is essential that all crops are walked at least once a week and records kept of each inspection All nursery staff should be alert to fresh pest or disease symptoms or signs of im
5. Keynes MK1 9ES Tel 01908 249973 Email agrifoodfasaiglobal com Web www saiglobal com assurance A QWFC Wales PO Box 8 Gorseland North Road Aberystwyth SY23 2WB Tel 01970 636688 Email infofawlbp co uk Web www wlbp co uk T 01932 589 800 E producefaredtractor org uk www redtractorassurance org uk
6. accuracy Preventative spray to stem after trimming Further sprays immediately after trimming Baccillus subtillis or if RH gt 85 Alternate fungicide groups to reduce the risk of resistance BLACK STEM ROT The table below lists currently available biological control measures The rates of introduction should be based on recommendations of the biological control suppliers The introduction and monitoring of biological control agents must be recorded Preventative action Spray decision parameter Fungicide Ensure RH does not rise gt 85 for more than a few hours restrict irrigation period to start at least 2 hours after sunrise and end at least 2 hours before sunset Remove debris regularly well away from crop Minimise overhead watering where possible Remove old crop before re planting On young plants Avoid damage at planting azoxystrobin Main risk is in replanted crops aim at stem base Start spraying programme azoxystrobin as soon as disease Gliocladium catenulatum appears Repeat every ah ep 7 14 days Preventative fenhexamid myclobutanil spray aimed at stem immediately after trimming Gliocladium catenulatum On stems leaves and fruit Check RH control Allow stems to dry after trimming or preventative spray to stem after trimming POWDERY MILDEW Preventative action Spray decision parameter Fungicide Control humidity but do not over ventilate on the wind side of the greenhouse inspect c
7. the requirements of any legislation governing use of fertiliser on their nursery Rare very distorted fruit Control aphids Where possible water and nutrients should be recirculated to conserve water and also reduce any possible run off of nutrients It is accepted that at this stage the recirculation of water for melons is difficult because of the potential for virus disease carry over However legislation may force growers to use this method to prevent losses of water fertiliser pesticides from the site HYGIENE Anyone dealing with food is affected by the Food Hygiene Regulations This includes workers harvesting in greenhouses as well as those on graders and in halving and pre packing departments As with most legislation most of the actions you have to follow are common sense E Cleanliness is part of the job You must not deliberately contaminate the produce E You must not place produce where there is any risk of contamination Picking boxes are for produce only Keep them clean E Personal washing facilities basin soap etc are for personal cleanliness only Use them frequently In light of the problem caused by the E coli outbreak in Northern Germany in 2011 it is particularly important that produce is kept clear of any contamination and that you can demonstrate that your crop is free from contamination Sample supply water and diluted feeds for bacterial contamination regularly Glasshouses m
8. 01 As amended APPROVED USES NOT PRODUCT LABEL In many circumstances particularly for minor crops product labels do not include all of the approved uses and growers wishing to check the approval notice of a particular product should note that this information is available using the LIAISON search accessible via their Red Tractor Farm Assurance home page after logging in These Off Label approvals were styled Specific Off Label Approvals SOLA but are now called Extensions of Authorisation of Minor Use EAMU INCLUDED ON THE A search on LIAISON database under Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use should yield a results page A click on the product name should link to a summary of the approval information Near the bottom of the summary is the EAMU number e g 0246 09 and this link will open up a pdf of the current EAMU document giving details of the extension of use A copy of the current minor use approval should be retained for your records and guidance For various reasons the use of some approved pesticides may not be acceptable to some multiple outlets or processors In order to conform to such requirements proposed applications should be confirmed with the contracting company PEST AND DISEASE IDENTIFICATION Staff working regularly on protected crops should be able to recognise the following pests and diseases E Powdery mildew Downy mildew E Botrytis grey mould on leaves stems and fruit
9. Red Tractor Assurance Fresh Produce Scheme ch RA z SARN Li Crop Module Melon Red Tractor Effective 1st September 2015 22 Assurance Red Tractor a Assurance for Farms z Fresh Produce Scheme Welcome to complement and avoid duplicating the generic principles of the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce Scheme standards It is advisable to read the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce standards before reading this crop specific module This module is designed to stimulate thought in the mind of the reader It contains crop specific guidance and standards where applicable in addition to the requirements stated in the generic Fresh Produce standards Te crop specific module for melons has been written Within this module the important reguirements outlined in the crop specific standards section will be verified during the Red Tractor Farm Assurance assessment and compliance will form a part of the certification approval decision Disclaimer and trade mark acknowledgement Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy Assured Food Standards does not accept any responsibility for errors and omissions Trade names are only used in this module where use of that specific product is essential All such products are annotated and all trademark rights are hereby acknowledged Notes Pesticide Information The Red Tractor Fresh Produce team has been working with Fera to provide tailored access to t
10. affected plants recently in rockwool Downy mildew Occasional can be devastating Check imported plants Control humidity and spreads very quickly keep plants dry azoxystrobin is effective Alternaria Stemphylium and Uncommon Remove affected leaves control humidity and Ulocladium leaf spots keep plants dry Angular leaf spot Pseudomonas Rare occurs at high temps gt 24 C Keep plants dry lachrymans Disease Comment Action Cucumber mosaic virus CMV Less common but can be devastating Control aphid vectors Control weeds if Pythium is also present Use virus free seed Remove affected plants as soon as they are seen Use of milk on hands and knives helps reduce spread Thorough clean up at the end of the crop is essential to prevent carry over into the next crop Beet pseudo yellow virus increased risk if whitefly control is Control whitefly with early and robust use inadequate of Encarsia Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus hands and knives Occasional can spread quickly on Cucumber pale fruit viroid Rare no known insect vectors Remove affected plants Melon necrotic spot virus Rare on rockwool crops not very Use mains water damaging Olpidium vector Could be risk with recirculation Tomato spotted wilt virus Rare at present Control thrips and weeds Tobacco necrosis virus Rare on rockwool crops not very Use mains water damaging Olpidium vector Could be risk with recirculation
11. balance with biological control mechanisms PEST CONTROL Ensure all picking boxes trolleys tractor tyres footwear and any associated tools and equipment are kept thoroughly clean Treat routinely with an appropriate disinfectant and routinely wash clothing and gloves Store cleaned boxes and equipment carefully to avoid re contamination After using disinfectants in the greenhouse thoroughly ventilate the house to remove all traces of vapour Rinse picking trays with water after treating with the disinfectant BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ORGANISMS BCOS The table below lists currently available biological control measures The rates of introduction should be based on recommendations of the biological control suppliers The introduction and monitoring of biological control agents must be recorded Control Encarsia formosa b may also control other pests Amblyseius swirskii d and e for corrective action Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum b c Beauveria bassiana Naturalis L d Verticillium lecanii Mycotal e Yellow sticky traps Sweet potato or tobacco Statutory control in UK inform DEFRA Plant This pest was found in UK crops whitefly Bemisia tabaci Health and Seeds Inspectorate in 2013 check your crop regularly for this alien pest Treatments as for greenhouse whitefly may be permitted by PHSI Spider mites Tetranychus a Phytoseiulus persimilis b Effect can be variable use with u
12. consumed in any area where crops are being grown In most circumstances clearly defined areas should be set aside for eating and drinking These should be clearly signed Smoking areas where they are provided have to be outside by law and should be restricted to non cropped areas and any designated areas should be clearly signed Greenhouses should have appropriate No Smoking No Food signs and that staff are provided with a clearly defined area to eat drink ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 8 CONTAMINATION CONTROL THE BASIC APPROACH TO CROP PROTECTION Key principles of ICM for protected salad crops a Biological environmental and cultural methods of pest and disease control must be used as the first line of defence b Chemical pesticides are only to be used when biological controls are not available or shown not to be working c The crops must be monitored at least weekly and records made of pest disease and biological control organism levels d Records should be kept of introduction of biological control agents e Correctly calibrated climate control computers should be used to ensure a suitable environment is maintained at all times f Records must be kept of all pesticide applications Adaptation for new pests and diseases The occurrence of a new disease or pest problem is largely unpredictable It may arise for example when a previously non indigenous disease or pest becomes established in the UK e g WFT
13. eaves no pesticide residue Generic recommendations 1 Avoid pesticide use by E Good husbandry including irrigation and nutrition to maintain healthy plants Good site hygiene including good weed control outside the glasshouse E Use of clean plant material and powdery mildew tolerant cultivars where available Use of biological control agents for pest control and when available disease control E Use of environmental manipulation E Use of spray materials with physical modes of action non pesticides where appropriate 2 Minimise pesticide use by E Maintaining strict routines of crop monitoring to ensure that any remedial action is taken at the first opportunity for greatest effect with least sprays E Ensuring adequate training in the recognition of pests diseases and biological control agents by all staff especially crop workers to ensure rapid and appropriate response E Ensuring adequate training in glasshouse environment control for disease suppression especially E Maintaining and calibrating boom sprayers with care to ensure efficient spray application E Ensuring correct dose rate as this may vary according to the target pest and whether on or off label E Choosing any pesticides with careful attention to possible side effects on biological control agents CROP SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MELONS The simple expedient of keeping the floor clear of crop waste has been shown to red
14. ers CQ 198 k To assist in the correct calculation of irrigation volume of run off must be measured and samples analysed for nutrient content to ensure the correct quantity of nutrients are applied CQ 198 1 Written procedures must be in place in case of an oil spillage HOW YOU WILL BE MEASURED additional crop specific requirements Disposal is achieved either by removing off site ensuring the load is covered or burying on site and spraying the soil surface with a disinfectant Any plastic sheeting that has been used on the floor is rolled up with debris inside and recycled Before replanting trap monitoring and treatments are continued in empty glasshouses until no further pests are found Weeds are destroyed by using non hormone herbicides of short persistence or by mowing Use suitable disinfectant and ensure foot dips are maintained and used Designated areas are clearly signed m Cropping areas are clearly signed with no eating drinking smoking signs Samples of nutrient solution are analysed for nutrient content at least monthly Adequate procedure to prevent environmental contamination RECORDS to be kept for 2 years Cleaning records Trap monitoring records Trap monitoring records Records of the introduction and monitoring of biological control agents Records of measurements of run off Records of nutrient content of irrigation run off Records of oil spillages
15. he LIAISON database for all Red Tractor Fresh Produce members This system allows individual growers access to all information for plant protection products approved for use under the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Scheme LIAISON can be accessed under the Produce tab via the Checkers and Services page where you will also find a user manual Searches will be filtered specifically for the crops for which you are registered Once you have logged onto the site and clicked on the LIAISON hyperlink you will be directed to the LIAISON home screen You will need a username and password and these will be sent once you have registered http assurance redtractor org uk rtassurance services Registration members eb General Introduction Following a systematic approach will help growers identify and manage the risks involved in crop production This module is based on a typical crop production process and food safety health amp safety environmental and quality hazards are identified Appropriate controls may then be established to minimise risk Food safety and health 8 safety issues always take precedent over quality and environmental controls The layout of this module follows the same structure as that used in the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce Standards The content of the module is reviewed prior to the issue of updated editions The review process considers both new developments and all relevant technology which has emerged since
16. llow Leaf Hopper infestations are Hauptidia macroccana sticky traps are very effective at keeping increasing in frequency and it is Empoasca vitis populations low important to control at an early stage b Anagrus atomus Caterpillars a Hand picking b most effective when applied to b Bacillus thuringiensis small larvae Notes The use of the predatory bug Macrolophus callignosus is not recommended for melons because of its effects on other beneficial organisms and the possibility of it causing plant flower damage CHEMICAL CONTROL For some pests controls are not available and suitable pesticides are recommended Pest Active ingredient Whitefly a dodecylphenol ethoxylate Double Encarsia introduction for three weeks after any Agri 50 E whitefly spray treatment b fatty acids Bemisia found in organic crops last season check any infestations for type inform PHSI if alien species found Aphids A gossypii pymetrozine Use products with a physical mode of action to avoid resistance Other aphid species Western flower thrips Nothing effective available a Palm thrips Thrips palmi a found in the UK notify Plant Health if thrips that you do not recognise are found in the crop Thrips palmi are very similar in appearance to Onion thrips b palm thrips spreads viruses such as Spotted Wilt Leaf Hopper indoxacarb a HDC trials have shown useful effects on leaf hopper DISEASE CONTROL Certain diseases are relatively com
17. lowing initial discovery Check drainage Treat adjacent plants Substrate crops High incidence of Pythium Fungicide Tricoderma Trianum Gliocladium Prestop May give some protection fosetyl aluminium propamocarb hydrochloride V fosetyl aluminium propamocarb hydrochloride V Notes 1 maximum of two fosetyl aluminium propamocarb hydrochloride treatments per crop LESS COMMON DISEASES Disease Comment Action Phytophthora root rot Uncommon mostly found in soil crops fosetyl aluminium propamocarb hydrochloride Gliocladium Prestop Sterilise soil Rhizoctonia stem base rot Uncommon mostly found in soil crops Sterilise soil Black root rot Phomopsis Can be devastating mostly found Remove infected slabs good hygiene at pre in soil crops but becoming more of a planting keep soil covered with plastic and out problem in rockwool of irrigation when fitting laterals drippers Sclerotinia Occasional disease Remove affected plant parts Sterilise soil or use Coniothyrium minitans to soil before planting Penicillium stem rot Increasingly common Remove affected plants Control humidity Gummosis or scab Cladosporium Rare Most varieties resistant Remove affected parts cucumerinum Control humidity Verticillium wilt Rare mostly in soil crops but recently Sterilise soil Remove affected plants Use in rockwool grafted plants Fusarium wilt Increasing Mostly in soil crops but Sterilise soil Remove
18. mon and occur on most holdings each year The procedure for the control of the common disease problems is given in detail and the procedure for other diseases is only given in outline Further technical advice should be sought as necessary It cannot be emphasised too strongly that regular crop monitoring with rapid and accurate disease identification and an appropriate rapid response involving rouging of the affected plant cultural changes a greenhouse environmental change or fungicide treatments is essential to fulfil the objective of minimising fungicide use All crops should be walked and inspected for disease at least once every seven days If a disease is overlooked or seen but no action taken then several fungicide applications may be required to bring the problem under control compared with perhaps one or two applications if prompt action is taken BOTRYTIS Preventative action Spray decision parameter Fungicide Control relative humidity RH Ensure RH does not rise above 85 for more than a few hours Remove debris after trimming Allow crop to dry before nightfall after spraying On young plants Avoid damage at planting Treat if obvious damage Baccillus subtillis In the growing crop If no Botrytis in the crop and no extended periods of RH gt 85 No treatment If Botrytis is present in the crop or if RH is gt 85 for long Check RH records and equipment Baccillus subtillis periods or if Botrytis occurs most years for
19. nd is applying products correctly and evenly by carrying out calibration checks E Ensuring all those involved in applying pesticide products are adequately trained and qualified See the Appendix for the pesticide targets and guidelines on this crop APPENDIX 1 GUIDELINES ON MINIMISING PESTICIDE RESIDUES These guidelines have been produced after reference has been made to Pesticide Residue data on IMPORTED produce as very little data is available for UK grown produce They will be developed over the coming seasons as knowledge on minimising residues develops Growers should consult with their crop protection adviser to ensure other best practices are not compromised before considering these guidelines The materials listed below are those expected to present issues and guidance is given on that basis Active Ingredient Target pest weed disease Current position Suggested guidelines This pesticide is persistent in the crop and even though the levels are very low Use alternative materials where available azoxystrobin Powdery mildew Mycosphaerella etc Residue found occasionally at or just above limit of determination but well below MRL propamocarb Pythium Residue found occasionally above limit No alternatives available Use at hydrochloride of determination but well below MRL lowest effective rate Check species of aphid present and use alternative contact materials if pymetrazine Residue found occasionally above limi
20. rate the substrate should be where possible reused for more than one crop Where isolated substrates are reused they should be sterilised at the end of the season Sterilise soil or isolated substrates intended for re use with steam unless organic crops are being grown when permission should be sought from your organic standards authority Monitor pest activity in the empty greenhouse by using yellow sticky traps Maintaining greenhouses at 17 C will increase the activity of any remaining pests Examine the traps regularly for pest activity and take appropriate action if any are caught Repeat the trap monitoring and treatments in the empty greenhouse before replanting until no further pests are found A ring can be drawn round low numbers of pests on sticky traps for monitoring purposes but if large numbers are present the traps will have to be replaced after each space treatment Environment Destroy all weeds around the greenhouse before the new crop arrives and at regular intervals during the season using non hormone herbicides of short persistence or by mowing Several common weeds e g chickweed sowthistle and dandelion are known to host cucumber mosaic virus CMV and could act as a source of this virus for a melon crop Weeds may also be means of carry over of other virus diseases e g TSWV or BPYV Dandelions can also carry over powdery mildew from one crop to the next New crop establishment Before
21. rops regularly control weeds esp sowthistle and dandelion remove old crop before replanting Following initial discovery Remove affected leaves if few Apply fungicide immediately Continuing mildew development Severe mildew SUITABLE FOR LATER OR REPLANTED CROPS Alternate products from different fungicide groups to reduce the risk of resistance Ampelomyces AQ10 can give protection but must be applied before infection occurs and then repeated every 7 days to maintain protection Garlic extracts are effective or use cyflufenamid potassium bicarbonate or azoxystrobin If mildew continues to cyflufenamid 9 or increase on young plants azoxystrobin NOTES BETTER VARIETIES WITH TOLERANCE TO MILDEW ARE BECOMING AVAILABLE MOST ARE 1 cyflufenamid is only approved for two applications per crop but is very effective when used at full rate and reduced volume apply early in any outbreak to obtain control 2 azoxystrobin is less effective because of resistance PYTHIUM Preventative action Spray decision parameter Sterilise soil use new or sterilised slabs Stand plants only on clean surfaces Use mains or borehole water Avoid cold wet soil slabs Also avoid irrigating with hot water in re plant period Leave gap between slabs to prevent movement of Pythium between young plants Precautionary fungicide treatments Drench roots and stem base immediately after planting Substrate crops Fol
22. rticae b Amblyseius californicus Phytoseiulus recommended c Feltiella acarisuga d Beauveria bassiana Naturalis L e Eradicote Majestic Western flower thrips WFT a Amblyseius cucumeris a standard treatment or onion thrips Frankliniella b Amblyseius swirskii b for corrective action occidentalis or Thrips tabaci c Orius spp c difficult to establish d Beauveria bassiana Naturalis L e Verticillium lecanii Vertalec f Eradicote Majestic Melon cotton aphid a Aphidius colemani b Aphidius ervi a regular introduction required Aphis gossypii and other c Beauveria bassiana Naturalis L aphid species b Eradicote Majestic Broad mite Polyphago a Amblyseius cucumeris Occasional pest only Do not tarsonemuslatus b Remove small foci of affected plants introduce biological control agents on leaf material French fly Usually only a pest of crops grown on straw bales Amblyseius used for WFT will normally give adequate control Leaf miners Not usually a pest on Cucurbits but in recent years has increased to damaging levels As there are a number of leaf miners occurring on melons they should be identified correctly a Leaf removal plus b and c b Dacnusa sibirica c Diglyphus isaea If confirmed as non indigenous species statutory control measures will be stipulated by PHSI Biological control may be permitted Leaf Hopper varius e g a Removal of infested leaves and use of ye
23. t of determination but well below MRL appropriate No other active ingredients causing residue problems The number of pesticides approved for use on UK melons is low E There are no organochlorine or organophosphates insecticides approved for use on UK melon crops nor any herbicides plant growth regulators or post harvest treatments ntegrated Crop Management strategies for pest and disease control should continue to be the key approach to be used with emphasis on non pesticide strategies E Virtually all UK commercial melon crops are grown in glasshouses This affords the opportunity for effective deployment of biological pest control and the prevention of disease infection by some environmental manipulation E Those pests and diseases for which pesticide intervention is still most likely to be required in the UK are aphids WFT spider mites leaf miner Pythium downy mildew powdery mildew and Mycosphaerella The acceptance of materials for pest and disease control through a physical mode of action as not being pesticides and therefore not having to comply with pesticide legislation or having residue problems should be considered Examples are plant extracts of garlic glucose polymers and polysaccharides e g Garshield Ecospray Eradicoat Majestik and Agri 50E respectively Recently Eradicote and Majestik have been registered as pesticides but the active ingredient has not changed and is still a physical mode and l
24. the last review was completed and which have been found to be both workable by the grower and beneficial to the environment The aim is to transfer such information and technologies to growers Acknowledgements Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce gratefully acknowledges the contribution of all consultees in the preparation of this protocol particularly Derek Hargreaves ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AGAINST CURRENT STANDARDS 02 CROP SPECIFIC STANDARDS 02 CHOICE OF VARIETY OR ROOTSTOCK AND PLANT HEALTH CERTIFICATION 04 SITE AND SOIL MANAGEMENT 04 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONTAMINATION CONTROL 05 NUTRITION AND IRRIGATION 11 HYGIENE 11 POLLUTION CONTROL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 12 RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS 12 APPENDIX 1 GUIDELINES ON MINIMISING PESTICIDE RESIDUES 12 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AGAINST CURRENT STANDARDS None for this crop module CROP SPECIFIC STANDARDS STANDARDS CQ 198 a The previous crop must be cleaned up before its removal from the greenhouse lt Red Tractor Assurance for Farms Crop specific Module Melon HOW YOU WILL BE MEASURED additional crop specific requirements for 2 years RECORDS to be kept If two spotted spider mite and or broad mite are a problem in this or the previous crop they are treated before they enter diapause with a high volume spray of abamectin at least twice at five day intervals If aphids are present in the old crop pymetrazine is sprayed as necessary
25. the new plants arrive old sticky traps should be removed New traps should then be hung in the greenhouse and should be assessed and replaced regularly throughout the life of the crop Effective monitoring of these traps is an essential element of pest control The cleanliness and temperature of the vehicles used to transport plants to the production site should be checked to ensure it is adequate particularly where vehicles have previously been used to transport produce Trays containing the new seasons plants should be clean and only then be placed only on a clean surface e g new polythene disinfected and rinsed concrete For crops grown in rockwool slabs any previously used slabs should be sterilised with steam and re used where possible Place disinfectant foot dips at the entrance to each greenhouse block and make sure everyone uses them Keep them inspected and re filled as needed E coli and food poisoning Following the problem in northern Germany recently it is even more important to ensure there are no risks from food poisoning organisms in your crop The risks to melons are minimal but both the propagator and the grower should be aware of the risks from contamination with animal manures and contaminated water See generic protocol for further details Hygiene To avoid problems with crop contamination and also to reduce any risk of plant diseases being brought into cropped areas no food should be brought into or
26. two spotted spider mite and or broad mite are a problem they should be treated in the old crop before they enter diapause with a high volume spray of abamectin at least twice at five day intervals b If aphids are present in the old crop spray with pymetrazine as necessary before crop removal c It is most important that WFT is controlled during the life of the crop using biological control so that populations do not present a threat in carry over As there are no effective approved pesticides for WFT control it is most important to maintain good control using biological control because there are no new materials coming along At the end of cropping remove the crop weeds and all debris and dispose of them in a suitable manner by either removing off site ensuring the load is covered or burying on site and spraying the soil surface with a suitable disinfectant Where debris is left in a skip awaiting collection cover it with plastic sheeting Where plastic sheeting has been used on the floor roll it up with debris inside and recycle if possible Wash down the structure inside the greenhouse and then treat with a suitable disinfectant e g gluteraldehyde peroxyacetic acid benzoic acid etc Formaldehyde use is strongly discouraged Also treat the heating pipes irrigation lines drip pegs hoses and other equipment used in the greenhouse and wipe down crop wires with a disinfectant If the crop is grown in an isolated subst
27. uce the levels of for example Mycosphaerella substantially If this only slows down the development of disease it is well worth the effort Aim to extend the harvest intervals where you can to reduce the incidence and or amount of any residue This simple expedient is more easily applied where the crop is harvested less frequently than other cucurbits Full details of approved pesticides EAMUs Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use for use on melons are available on the Liaison and CRD websites details as follows Liaison website www fera defra gov uk CRD website www pesticides gov uk pestreg Certification Body Beef and Lamb Certification NSF Certification Hanborough Business Park Long Hanborough Oxford 0X29 8SJ Tel 01993 885739 Email agriculturefansf org Web www nsf foodeurope com SFQC SFQC Ltd Royal Highland Centre 10th Avenue Ingliston Edinburgh EH28 8NF Tel 0131 335 6605 Email redtractorfasfqc co uk Web www sfgc co uk e kiwa Partner for progress Kiwa PAI The Inspire Hornbeam Sguare West Harrogate North Yorkshire HG2 8PA Tel 01423 878878 Email paienquiriesfakiwa co uk Web www kiwa co uk pai Fa NIFCC Northern Ireland Lissue House 31 Ballinderry Rd Lisburn Northern Ireland BT28 2SL Tel 028 9263 3017 Email infofanifcc co uk Web www nifcc co uk SAI GLOBAL ASSURANCE SERVICES SAI Global Assurance Services Ltd PO Box 6236 Milton
28. ust have appropriate No Smoking No Food signs and staff provided with a clearly defined area to eat drink Smoking areas may need to be designated and shelter provided POLLUTION CONTROL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT There must be written procedures for the management and recording of incidents involving oil spillages To avoid problems with crop contamination and also to reduce any risk of plant diseases being brought into cropped areas no food should be brought into or consumed in any area where crops are being grown In most circumstances clearly defined areas should be set aside for eating and drinking These should be clearly signed Smoking is not allowed inside any areas now and should only be allowed in designated areas outside and any designated areas should be clearly signed RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS Red Tractor Farm Assurance is aware that a key area in the production of fresh produce which requires continued attention by growers and their advisers is that of keeping pesticide residues to a minimum This issue is not just one of meeting the MRL trading standard but ensuring that any individual or multi residues are kept as low as possible below this level The key targets are Optimising earliest applications of fungicides and insecticides to the edible part of the crop to reduce residue at time of harvest E Ensuring minimum harvest intervals are followed E Ensuring that application equipment is cleaned regularly a
29. with a change in variety or cropping practice e g switch from soil to substrate cropping or when a pathogen pest previously controlled by a particular pesticide develops resistance In all these situations it may be necessary to implement additional pesticide treatments A proposed schedule for controlling new pest or disease problems in order of priority is described below a A new pest or disease may be subject to statutory action by FERA and this should be established before taking further action b The key objective is that the organism is controlled by means of a change in greenhouse environment crop culture biological or other non chemical method In some situations however it is possible that additional use of pesticides may be necessary at least in the short term or until a suitable alternate variety with genetic resistance is available Such new varieties should be incorporated into the cropping programme as they become available providing they meet the end market specifications c The new pest or disease situation may be controlled by selecting products already known to be compatible with the biological control measures If none of these pesticides provide effective control advice should be sought on a suitable alternative product currently approved for use on the appropriate protected crop under Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 As amended 1997 now being replaced by the Biocidal Products Regulations 20
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