Author
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BUTLER, DAVID - University Of Tennessee |
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Rosskopf, Erin |
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Submitted to: Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2014 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Organic vegetable production systems are highly dependent on the development on systems approaches for the control of pests and pathogens. This introductory plant pathology text provides an introduction to the concepts related to the regulations governing labeling of crops using organic production practices. The text provides background information on the development of an organic farming plan utilizing principles of crop rotation, plant diversity, cover crops, and soil quality. Plant pathogen control principles, including sanitation measures to control pathogen inoculum, host plant resistance, and cultural practices including alteration of plant spacing and irrigation practices are introduced. Technical Abstract: Organic agriculture refers to agricultural production systems that are managed according to a number of standards which vary by governing body or political entity, but which share a common philosophy and set of general management practices. In popular culture, organic crop production is generally understood to refer to crop production without the use of genetically-modified organisms or synthetically-derived pesticides, fertilizers, or growth regulators. This definition often leads conventional agricultural producers and the general public to the conclusion that modern organic farming is no different from farming systems which existed historically prior to the wide availability of synthetically-derived agricultural inputs. While this is largely true in a narrow sense, it fails to acknowledge advancements in scientific understanding as well as the underlying principles and philosophy of modern organic farming systems; principles which are vital to understanding management of plant disease in organic crop production. |
