MIRAD - Maîtrise des Intrants et des Résidus phytosanitaires pour des vergers d’Abricotiers Durables

The MIRAD project aims to evaluate the performance of innovative apricot orchards combining numerous levers (low-susceptible plant, biocontrol products, physical protection, etc.) to reduce the use of phytosanitary products. In 2019 and 2020, 26 cropping systems were implemented across 5 sites. Treatment Frequency Indicator (TFI) reductions excluding biocontrol products of 75 to 100 % were possible. However, these reductions in TFI are accompanied by a drop in marketable yield when the systems only rely on substitution and/or efficiency or by a higher production cost per kg of apricots when the systems are based on redesign (orchards under physical protection).