Agricultural practices are a set of actions that farmers implement for the agronomic management of their crops. Their main objective is to maximize yield and minimize the risks associated with biotic and abiotic factors that can affect plant development. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that, through the coordinated and timely application of various techniques, allows keeping under control the populations of pests such as insects, mites, phytopathogens and weeds, preventing them from causing significant economic losses. It is estimated that approximately one third of food for human consumption is lost or wasted along the supply chain, from field production to final consumption. The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices can significantly contribute to reducing these losses in the primary sector, increasing food availability and helping to combat hunger and malnutrition globally. Agricultural practices seek to optimize crop yields and reduce biotic and abiotic risks. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) minimizes pest losses. Approximately one third of food is lost in the supply chain, affecting availability and contributing to climate change. Agricultural losses are caused by pests, diseases, weeds, mechanical damage, climatic factors and poor quality. Insects and mites cause 13% of losses, while phytopathogens cause 20–40% losses in agricultural production. Weeds can reduce agricultural yields by up to 30%. Technical knowledge about water, soil, climate and agricultural technologies is essential for good crop performance. Water availability, soil characteristics and climatic factors are key to efficient management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) controls pests and diseases in a sustainable manner through cultural, biological and chemical practices, focusing on prevention, monitoring and control, optimizing production without harming the environment or health. Polyculture, such as milpa, favors biodiversity and controls pests, improving the agroecosystem. Techniques such as living barriers and cover crops protect the soil, while avoidance and the use of certified seeds improve agricultural productivity. Physical control practices, such as sanitary pruning, removal of infected plants and chromatic traps, are effective in preventing the spread of pests and diseases, protecting crop health. Biological control uses natural enemies, such as parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens, to control pests in a sustainable manner. Ethological control uses natural behaviors through trapping. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended to reduce the use of agrochemicals and prevent contamination. Postharvest practices, such as proper harvesting and storage, extend shelf life and reduce wastage. Chemical and physical treatments are used, while technologies such as ozone and UV radiation are being researched to improve preservation without affecting quality.

Agricultural Practices to Minimize Losses and Food Waste Generation

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发表日期：

2025年

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Daniel Perales-Rosas,
Mairel Valle-de la Paz

摘要

Agricultural practices are a set of actions that farmers implement for the agronomic management of their crops. Their main objective is to maximize yield and minimize the risks associated with biotic and abiotic factors that can affect plant development. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that, through the coordinated and timely application of various techniques, allows keeping under control the populations of pests such as insects, mites, phytopathogens and weeds, preventing them from causing significant economic losses. It is estimated that approximately one third of food for human consumption is lost or wasted along the supply chain, from field production to final consumption. The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices can significantly contribute to reducing these losses in the primary sector, increasing food availability and helping to combat hunger and malnutrition globally. Agricultural practices seek to optimize crop yields and reduce biotic and abiotic risks. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) minimizes pest losses. Approximately one third of food is lost in the supply chain, affecting availability and contributing to climate change. Agricultural losses are caused by pests, diseases, weeds, mechanical damage, climatic factors and poor quality. Insects and mites cause 13% of losses, while phytopathogens cause 20–40% losses in agricultural production. Weeds can reduce agricultural yields by up to 30%. Technical knowledge about water, soil, climate and agricultural technologies is essential for good crop performance. Water availability, soil characteristics and climatic factors are key to efficient management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) controls pests and diseases in a sustainable manner through cultural, biological and chemical practices, focusing on prevention, monitoring and control, optimizing production without harming the environment or health. Polyculture, such as milpa, favors biodiversity and controls pests, improving the agroecosystem. Techniques such as living barriers and cover crops protect the soil, while avoidance and the use of certified seeds improve agricultural productivity. Physical control practices, such as sanitary pruning, removal of infected plants and chromatic traps, are effective in preventing the spread of pests and diseases, protecting crop health. Biological control uses natural enemies, such as parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens, to control pests in a sustainable manner. Ethological control uses natural behaviors through trapping. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended to reduce the use of agrochemicals and prevent contamination. Postharvest practices, such as proper harvesting and storage, extend shelf life and reduce wastage. Chemical and physical treatments are used, while technologies such as ozone and UV radiation are being researched to improve preservation without affecting quality.