4 Conclusion

Canadian apple growers cope with threats to their crops from insects, diseases and weeds. To control these threats, growers use an integrated approach to control pests, which includes the use of pesticides and best management practices, allowing them to produce the quality crop consumers want to buy. Because apples are a perennial crop, with the same apple trees producing apples for many years, growers need to make decisions on what trees to plant in light of the long-term impact that variety selection has on both the production and marketing of fruit.

The use of pesticides is regulated in Canada through the Pest Control Products Act. Pesticides are evaluated for their safety in terms of the environment and human health. Pesticides used in Canada are considered to be safe if used according to the instructions provided on the label.

The data from this survey show that apple growers are using integrated pest management (IPM) practices to help control insects, diseases and weeds. Integrated pest management involves the use of a system of tools that work together to control pests. Tools include pesticides, but they also include a host of cultural practices and nonchemical tools that can help to control disease.