Repository Alternative Pest Control Methods

Introduction to the repository of alternative control methods The analysis of available information on alternative pest control methods provides a comprehensive list of potential alternatives for specific pests or pest/crop combinations as well as information regarding their eligibility for practical consideration i.e., effectiveness and feasibility. The collected information can be used by the Member States experts to assess the possibility of implementing these alternative methods in their States. The repository may include the use of conventional chemicals, provided that they are paired with non-chemical alternatives, and they constitute an integral part of a complete strategy/IPM program (i.e. combination of chemical and non-chemical methods leading to reduced chemical use), and they are used in a way that leads to an overall reduction of chemical use e.g. lower number of applications or lower application doses. Pesticides having a low overall impact on humans and the environment (e.g. low risk substances, basic substances) are also elements of the repository. The repository includes information of the number of literature sources and grouping of methods into larger categories e.g. physical method. The repository of alternative methods is in the form of Excel sheets. Each Εxcel file summarises for a specific pest the outcome of each step of the procedure in the collection of relevant information to ensure transparency and traceability. The main parts of the data collection excel sheets are described below: Cover page (Excel Sheet: Cover): This section details the methodological approach employed (e.g. search terms, search fields, exclusion criteria) along with the sources of relevant data for both the systematic and non-systematic literature search. Additionally, it lists alternative control methods for which adequate information regarding their effectiveness and feasibility has been obtained. Systematic screening part (Excel sheets: Systematic screening_Scopus/Systematic search WOS/Systematic search compilation): The SCOPUS and Web of Science (WoS) databases are the principal sources of information for the systematic literature search. Information deriving from these sources is listed in the sheets Systematic screening Scopus/Systematic search WOS. Duplicates are removed and all irrelevant studies are excluded based on the information found in the abstract and title. The remaining studies are listed in the sheet “Systematic search compilation” List of alternative methods (Excel Sheet: List of methods_systScreening): The page provides an overview on the outcome of the systematic search after the screening part described above. At this stage, the literature search does not consider the practical value of the alternative, i.e. may include non-viable solutions, like potential solutions that have been tested but have not been applied in real-life conditions or are currently under development but have not yet reached the practical implementation phase. Non-systematic screening (Excel sheet: Non-systematic_Screening): Serves as a complementary step which enables the collection of relevant information from sources not indexed in the selected databases (SCOPUS and WoS). Information was collected from websites of research projects, governmental and non-governmental organisations at national and international level, conference reports, EU-wide network demonstrating and promoting IPM, industry reports and crop protection markets and specialised online agricultural forums. Analysis of information (Excel sheets: Effectiveness_feasibility and Effectiveness analysis): This step focuses on the in-depth analysis of all information that was previously retrieved from peer-reviewed scientific literature. The relevant information on effectiveness and/or feasibility was extracted. Summary of results of the literature analysis (Excel sheet: Summary_methods): The summary sheet integrates information deriving from both systematic and non-systematic screening and the analysis of information. The results are compiled and presented by relevant alternative method rather than by individual studies. Only methods supported by data from real-life testing or those that are practically used in farming within the EU are included in ‘Summary methods’, irrespective of their expected level of effectiveness or feasibility (i.e. eligibility). Potential solutions that have not been verified under real-life conditions are therefore not presented in this sheet.