Conscientious of the environment

Environmentally conscious and from one generation to the next, , the Petit family has introduced biological control methods in the orchard. Several working methods and specific techniques allow us to ensure the most natural apple harvest, all while limiting our impact on our environment, which is the magnificent southern flank of Mont Saint-Hilaire.

1. USE OF PREDATORY MITE

   Thanks to the use of predatory insects (mites), a method developed by the Petit family, we are one of the first orchards in Quebec not to use chemical miticides. Before this method was used, insects sucked the sap from the leaves, causing the tree to wither and the apples to stop growing.
   
   Today, predatory mites will feed on these small pests and there is no need to use chemical miticides.
   
   During the development of this technique, we were accompanied by agronomists from MAPAQ and several researchers from Agriculture Canada who were able to carry out a complete study and allow other orchards in Quebec to deploy this technique.

2. USE OF ISOMATE

   Since 2015, we have been participating in a control program against the codling moth insect, also known by the more scientific name Cydia pomonella. When infested, this insect lays a small green inside the apple. This fight involves installing an isomate, a small nylon band, on an apple tree branch, which releases the pheromone that the female will deploy so that the male can find her.
   
   This isomate is intended to confuse males, thus countering mating and thus havoc. This new tool eliminates the use of insecticides to control these pests.

3. MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL

   The Petit family uses mechanical weeding, a method that provides ideal weed control without impacting the crop and without collateral effects on the environment. Different tools are used to control different types of weeds to achieve the desired result, such as hydraulic rotary tools, blades or discs.

4. CONTROL OF SCAB BY POTASSIUM BICARBONATE

   Apple scab is a disease that is caused by a fungus. This fungus creates spots on leaves, buds and apples which reduces the quantity and quality of the harvest. In the orchard, we have been using potassium bicarbonate since 2017 to fight against apple scab. This product is approved organically and the craze for bicarbonate is immense since this product is non-toxic and very effective.

5. INTEGRATED CONTROL INSTEAD OF SYSTEMATIC TREATMENTS

   Over the past decades, intensive agricultural practices have greatly affected natural productive resources such as soil, air, water and, by extension, flora and fauna. These intensive practices include the systematic use of phytosanitary treatments on apple trees, without taking into account the real needs of each apple tree.
   
   At Vergers Petit et Fils, we use an integrated pest management method. This approach is based on experimentation and observation and allows us to deploy resources only where it is necessary. We screen our crop plots before any intervention to ensure the efficiency of our work in the orchard and to limit its environmental impact.

The importance of the quality of our products is close to our hearts, from the seed of the apple tree to the cider bottle! Enjoy your tasting!