Farewell Silent Spring The New Zealand Apple Story

Explore the captivating narrative of 'Farewell Silent Spring: The New Zealand Apple Story' by renowned entomologist Howard Wearing. This insightful paperback, published by the NZ Plant Protection Society, chronicles over 50 years of vital research and development that transformed New Zealand's pipfruit orchards. Discover how the agricultural landscape shifted from reliance on highly toxic broad-spectrum pesticides to innovative pest management practices. Learn about advanced techniques such as biological control, pest monitoring, mating disruption, and the use of selective chemicals that ensure safety for beneficial species, humans, and the environment. This book highlights integrated fruit production methods, showcasing how the Apple Futures program aligns with organic principles while achieving premium quality for export markets. Ideal for professionals, students, and anyone passionate about horticulture, pest management, and sustainable food production, 'Farewell Silent Spring' serves as an essential resource that bridges scientific knowledge and practical implementation. Immerse yourself in the story that allows New Zealand apple growers to bid farewell to the Silent Spring, previously envisioned by Rachel Carson. A treasure trove of information awaits you; order your copy today and be part of the sustainable agriculture revolution.

Author: Howard Wearing Publisher: NZ Plant Protection Society
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 242 mm
Pages: 278
Publication Date: 24-08-2019

Farewell Silent Spring tells the story of how, in the course of 50+ years of dedicated R&D, highly toxic broad-spectrum pesticides were removed from the pipfruit orchards of New Zealand. It shows how spraying by the calendar, regardless of need, has been replaced by pest monitoring, biological control, and sophisticated techniques like mating disruption and selective chemicals that are toxic to pests and safe to beneficial species. Integrated fruit production, and then Apple Futures, as the new programme became known, is shown to be on par with organic production in terms of biodiversity and safety to the environment and human health, while maintaining the premium fruit quality required by export markets. New Zealand apple growers can say farewell to the "Silent Spring" predicted by Rachel Carson in her landmark book of 1962. Written by distinguished fruit entomologist and scientist Howard Wearing, this book is a must-read for all involved in the fruit industry and anyone with an interest in safe sustainable food production. Professionals and students of horticulture, entomology, and pest management will find this book an essential gold-mine of information that they will turn to again and again. Link to book review by George Follas …. https://nzpps.org/a-compelling-read/