FIRE TO FIGHT FIRE: Local farmers have...
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FIRE TO FIGHT FIRE: Local farmers have joined the national trend away from pesticides, county agriculture officials say. They’re happier with natural “bio-control” agents, meaning insects or naturally occurring chemicals. For example, sulfur is becoming more popular for controlling powdery mildew on strawberries. And wasps, hardly viewed as anyone’s friend, are being used to kill worms partial to tomatoes, peppers and avocados.
Pest Fighters
Orange County farmers have joined the trend toward natural agents instead of pesticides.
% of acres naturally treated in 1991:
Citrus: 84%
Peppers: 80
Avocados: 70
Tomatoes: 31
Strawberries: 4
Source: Orange County Agricultural Commissioner
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