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Integrated Pest Management

8.9 Food Safety and Sanitation

Sanitation and cleanliness of an operation is critical to ensure Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) regarding food safety (Hollyer et al. 2012). This is important because as of 2018, the CDC estimated that each year, 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized, and about 3,000 people die. If the aquaponics industry wants to become a larger part of global food production and the fresh-cut sector, it is critical to maintain a good reputation and positive public perception of food safety for both fish and plants cultured within the same system.

· Kentucky State University

8.8 Steps to Prevent Plant Disease in Aquaponic Systems:

Control temperature and humidity of the growing environment. High temperature and humidity often are the ideal environment for growth and spread of fungal and bacterial disease in plants. Particularly in a greenhouse or indoor facility, forced air ventilation and prevention of evaporation will reduce these parameters. It is also important to control these in and around the plant structure. This is accomplished through appropriate plant spacing and pruning fruiting crops with dense foliage.

· Kentucky State University

8.7 Plant Disease and Prevention

Plant disease problems can be difficult and time consuming to treat. Preventing issues from arising is the first step in proper plant care. Many foliar plant diseases are present during conditions of high temperature and humidity. Providing proper ventilation and reducing humidity will prevent conditions that allow mold and disease to spread to other plants. Plant nutrition plays a direct role in disease resistance in plants (Agrios 2005). Providing the correct balance of nutrients is important not only for growth but also to decrease susceptibility and increase recovery from certain plant disease.

· Kentucky State University

8.6 Common Fish Diseases and Their Treatment

Parasites Ich (white spot disease): Ich is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). Ich appears on infected fish as small white specks on their skin and/or gills (Figure 21a). Fish may exhibit “flashing” behavior, characterized by a quick rubbing or scratching movements against the tank bottom, wall, or surface of the water (Durborow et al. 2000). Excess mucus is commonly present; however, the only clear sign may be a dead or dying fish.

· Kentucky State University

8.5 Disease Problems and Management

Fish Disease and Treatment Fish culture is inherently a messy business. Bacterial pathogens and parasites that affect fish are naturally occurring and opportunistic by nature. Good management, proper husbandry practices, and daily observation of fish can prevent many issues associated with fish health. Proper management techniques in the fish production of the aquaponics system should include: system design, water quality monitoring and correction, equipment maintenance, feed storage, fish observation to remove sick or dead fish, and worker sanitation.

· Kentucky State University

8.4 Common Pests

Mites: Mites are a very common pest, affecting hundreds of plants. These small arthropods are very small, often measuring less than 1 mm in length, and have sucking mouthparts. Damage to plants by mites includes brown stippling on leaves, upturned leaf margins, stunted plant growth, and webbing between plant structures (spider mites). Symptoms can mimic those of viral infections, particularly those caused by the broad mite, so identification should be done under a microscope.

· Kentucky State University

8.3 Chemical Applications

Pesticides derived from biological or microbial sources are also effective and widely available. Biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacterial, and certain minerals. Common biopesticides include biofungicides (Trichoderma), bioherbicides (Phytopthora), and bioinsecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis, B. sphaericus). B. thuringiensis (Bt) has become an increasingly common mechanism to target specific vegetable pests. Bt consists of a spore that contains a toxic protein crystal. Certain insects that consume the bacteria release toxic crystals into their gut, blocking the system, which protects the pest’s stomach from its own digestive juices.

· Kentucky State University

8.2 Biological/Chemical Controls

IPM strategies can also incorporate biological and/or microbial controls. These controls have many ecological advantages, including their host specificity, environmental beneficence, ability to be used in conjunction with chemical application, and that they are nontoxic and nonpathogenic to wildlife, humans, and other organisms not closely related to the target pest. Considering that these are precise, targeted control measures, cost can often be substantial. Biological controls utilize insect predators of the target pest to control population numbers.

· Kentucky State University

8.1 Physical Controls

Preventing insects from entering the greenhouse is the best pest management strategy for aquaponics. Prevention is accomplished through consistent monitoring and physical controls. The use of adhesive, pheromone, or light traps can be used to monitor type of insect and level of infestation. Screens can be an effective physical control and can be used on outdoor systems or to cover vents in a greenhouse. Mesh size is an important consideration and should be as small as possible without restricting air flow and ventilation.

· Kentucky State University