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Understanding earwig phenology in top fruit orchards

Gobin, B.; Peusens, G.; Moerkens, R. and Leirs, H. (2008) Understanding earwig phenology in top fruit orchards. In: Boos, Markus (Ed.) Ecofruit - 13th International Conference on Cultivation Technique and Phytopathological Problems in Organic Fruit-Growing: Proceedings to the Conference from 18thFebruary to 20th February 2008 at Weinsberg/Germany, pp. 208-212.

[thumbnail of 208-212.pdf] PDF - German/Deutsch
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Summary

Earwigs, Forficula auricularia, are key generalist predators to a variety of orchard pests.
However, numbers of earwigs have declined in both organic and IPM orchards in recent
years. Both Integrated and Organic fruit growers have tried to re-establish earwig
populations, thus far with little success. To understand earwig population dynamics and to
find measures to increase natural orchard populations, we conducted a detailed
phenological survey of earwigs in orchards. Earwigs were sampled while sheltering during
daytime in artificial refuges. They move into the trees from the third nymph stage onwards.
In most orchards, a small second brood is produced in summer, and this has a positive
impact on population size in fall. We see only minor differences in phenology between
apple and pear orchards, mainly caused by differences in alternative hiding places.
Earwigs show an inexplicable reduction in numbers at the timing of moulting into adults.
When earwig phenology is correlated with pest phenology in apple and pear, its use for
pest control of major pests is clear.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Paper
Keywords:Forficula auricularia, biological control, population dynamics, apple, pear
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Crop health, quality, protection
Crop husbandry > Production systems > Fruit and berries
Research affiliation: International Conferences > 2008: Ecofruit
Related Links:http://www.ecofruit.net
Deposited By: Tagung, Ecofruit
ID Code:13678
Deposited On:24 Jul 2008
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:37
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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