Plant protection is legally regulated core content: the eight IPM principles, the requirement for spray certificate in commercial use, mechanical and thermal weed control, and the main pests and diseases a landscape gardener encounters.
Introduction
Plant protection is about keeping pests, fungal diseases, and weeds in check — but today the main rule is that chemistry is the last resort, not the first. The framework is integrated pest management (IPM), and the use of pesticides is legally regulated and requires a valid certificate. A landscape gardener must know both prevention, the non-chemical methods, and the regulations.
IPM — integrated crop protection
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is a mandatory framework in the EU under Directive 2009/128/EF. The idea is to prevent first, monitor continuously and only control when necessary — and preferably without chemistry. Annex III of the Directive sets out eight general principles:
- 011. Prevent and suppress pests through species selection, healthy and resistant varieties, good hygiene (clean tools, healthy plant material) and balanced fertilising and watering.
- 022. Monitor pests with suitable methods — observation in the field and any warning systems.
- 033. Decide based on monitoring and, if possible, set threshold values whether and when to combat.
- 044. Prefer sustainable biological, physical and other non-chemical methods over chemical ones if they are sufficiently effective.
- 055. Choose the substance as targeted and gently as possible — minimal side effects on humans, beneficial organisms and environment.
- 066. Keep consumption to the necessary: reduced doses, fewer treatments, partial treatment.
- 077. Use anti-resistance strategies — switch between agents with different modes of action to maintain effectiveness.
- 088. Evaluate the result from records (spray log) and own observations, and use the experience going forward.
Spraying certificate and proof
Commercial use of crop protection products requires valid authorisation — a spraying certificate or spraying permit, depending on what you are working with. There are several types/categories, and the rules are administered by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. The certificate must be kept current with refresher courses at regular intervals, and a spraying log must be kept of the treatments carried out.
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