Agroecological Functioning and Performances of Horticultural Cropping Systems
Inventing an ecologically intensive type of horticulture so as to feed people better: this is a wide-ranging mandate for the unit, whose main aim is to generate and capitalize on knowledge so as to assess and design sustainable horticultural cropping systems. The issues are huge: satisfying growing global demand for fruit and vegetables and facilitating the economic and social development of farmers in developing countries while preserving the environment and reducing the risks for human health and ecosystems.
Horticulture is now seen as an essential factor in food security and safety and health worldwide. Horticultural systems are a major source of income and jobs for the poorest populations in tropical areas. In this context, is it possible to reduce the adverse effects of massive pesticide use in horticultural cropping systems, while maintaining high, sustainable productivity and producing safe, quality products? The unit believes that this target can be met, through improved knowledge and use of the interactions and biological regulation mechanisms within horticultural cropping systems. Its aim is to establish the principles of the agroecology of tropical horticultural systems, before applying them in order to design sustainable cropping systems, in partnership with local players.