Spring is finally peeking through between the gales and showers, and we are looking forward to the warmth ahead. The spring equinox on March 20th, coupled with the festivities of Mother’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, marks a significant kick-start to the main spring retail and gardeners’ busy season.
As light levels and temperatures steadily improve, biological control under protection will become increasingly active. It is the perfect time to monitor crops, as these natural defenses ramp up just in time for the busiest months of the year.
Teagasc soil fertility report 2025 – 44% of Irish Soils Below Target pH
Teagasc has launched the Soil Analysis Status and Trends Dashboard, an interactive tool mapping 20 years of national data from over 800,000 samples. While Irish soil fertility is improving, the latest 2025 figures provide a reality check: 44% of soils remain below the critical pH target of 6.2.
The dashboard allows users to track pH, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) trends across counties and enterprises, including horticulture. While progress is evident—largely due to national liming initiatives—opportunities remain to adjust pH for better nutrient access by plants.
Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, emphasises that optimising fertility is a primary opportunity to boost profitability and nutrient efficiency. For any grower, correcting pH remains the essential first step in unlocking soil potential. The platform also offers context for semi-natural systems where lower fertility supports biodiversity.
Explore the trends and inform your nutrient management here.
Watch back our popular webinar with Teagasc specialist Ruth Fennell to learn all about key aspect of business succession in horticulture.
Updated EAMU List for Non-Edible Crops
The Department of Agriculture has released the latest Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) list for non-edible crops. This document is the cornerstone of plant protection in horticulture, providing authorisation for products where specific crops are not included on the standard manufacturer label.
Key Information:
- Structure: Products are grouped by crop category (e.g., Protected Ornamentals).
- Search Tip: Navigating the extensive document is easiest using the “Ctrl + F” shortcut. Type in the product name or active ingredient to find what you need instantly.
Checking the EAMU list regularly ensures your nursery or business remains compliant while using the most effective tools available. Off-label Extension of Authorisation for Minor Uses (EAMU) – Non-Food Crops (pdf)
IPM preparing for the predictable early pest attacks with a standing army
The “Standing Army”concept—a proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy championed by Teagasc and leading biocontrol specialists. Rather than waiting for a pest outbreak to “react,” this approach ensures your beneficial insects are already established and battle-ready.
The Core Strategy: Preventative over Reactive
The traditional approach of “see a pest, spray a pest” is increasingly ineffective due to chemical resistance and dwindling available actives. The Standing Army approach flips this: you introduce generalist predators before the pest arrives.
Establishing the Army
- Introduce Early: Start at the propagation stage or immediately upon crop establishment.
- Choose Generalists: Mites like Amblyseius swirskii (min18oC), Amblyseius andersoni (min18oC), and Transeius montdorensis (min15oC) are ideal “infantry.” Unlike specialists (who die without their specific prey), generalists can survive on alternative food sources.
Sustaining the Army (Feeding)
When multiple generalist predators are released together, they may compete for limited food or engage in intraguild predation(preying on one another). This conflict can weaken your pest control strategy. To prevent this and keep your “Standing Army” focused on the crop, providing supplemental rationsis essential to maintain high populations and effective suppression.
- Feeding Products: Use supplemental foods like proprietary predator feeds (e.g. non-pest insect eggs).
- Pollen Power: Applying high-quality pollen can increase mite populations by 3–5x even in a pest-free crop, ensuring they are present in massive numbers the moment a thrips or whitefly appears.
Strategic Combinations: The “Joint Task Force”
Different pests require different “special forces” units. Combining beneficials ensures all life stages of a pest are targeted.
Example of aphid control where combined attacks from Aphidius wasps “mummify” aphids for long-term control; Ladybirds or Lacewings provide rapid “knockdown” of colonies.
Environment & Chemistry
A standing army is only as good as its environment.
- Climate Control: Most predatory mites require humidity above 60–70% and temperatures above 15°C to remain active. Distribution packs can help to maintain developing larvae at the correct humidity.
- Selective Chemistry: If a “chemical intervention” is unavoidable, only use products with low contact risk and short persistence e.g. Floramite -Bifenazate.
- Check Compatibility: consult the Teagasc Horticulture Portal or side-effect databases (like Koppert One App or Biobest side effects app) before spraying. A single broad-spectrum insecticide can wipe out months of “army” building.
Read research on competing generalist predator introduction here.
Have Your Say: Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Review
The Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science specification is currently undergoing a comprehensive review to enhance the learning experience and achievement for all senior cycle students. The review happens every 10 years so any changes made are long lasting.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment have announced that the public consultation on the Draft LC Agricultural Science Specification is now LIVE. This is a vital opportunity for horticulture professionals, educators, and stakeholders to influence the future of agricultural education in Ireland.
- Consultation Period: Open now until Friday, April 17th, at 5:00 PM.
- How to Participate: In-depth engagement is encouraged via the online survey and associated feedback forms.
You can access the draft specification and submission details at the NCCA website.
Your feedback is essential to ensuring the curriculum remains relevant, rigorous, and rewarding for the next generation of industry leaders.
Horticulture and Agriculture Apprenticeship Webinar
Upcoming Teagasc LIVE webinar on Apprenticeships Thursday, March 19th at 11 am will be hosted by Deirdre Walsh Assistant Principal in The College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens. Hear the experiences of individuals that have just graduated the programme in 2025 and are now pursuing their careers with the benefit of a solid apprenticeship behind them.
Teagasc next horticulture apprentice intake will be 24th August 2026 in the Teagasc College of Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin.
See webinar details here.
Dates for your diary
- March 18th closing date for Teagasc Walsh Scholar PhD opportunities
- March 19th Horticulture and Agriculture apprenticeship webinar 11am
- May 28th – June 1st Bord Bia Bloom
- June 28- 1st July European Nursery stock Association AGM and visit to Ireland.
