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Peach orchard protection strategies and aphid communities: Towards an integrated agroecosystem approach

Penvern, Servane; Bellon, Stéphane; Fauriel, Joël and Sauphanor, Benoit (2010) Peach orchard protection strategies and aphid communities: Towards an integrated agroecosystem approach. Crop Protection, 29, pp. 1148-1156.

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Summary

Aphid populations, including a widespread pest, Myzus persicae, are known to be affected by cultural practices, plant growth and natural regulation, but their control in orchards most frequently relies on regular treatments aiming to avoid direct damage and virus transmission. This study aimed first at characterising farmers’ management strategies towards aphids and, secondly evaluating them in terms of efficiency and impact on aphid natural enemies from 19 organic and conventional fruit farms in south-eastern France. Comprehensive variables made it possible to differentiate four strategies: intensive, optimised, input-substitution and integrated. The more integrated the strategy, the more diverse and abundant the aphids. The two most effective strategies were dominated by chemical treatments, whereas the other two, less detrimental to aphid antagonists, were mostly carried out by organic farmers. Unexpectedly, the structures of aphids communities were not related to the number of treatments, management of tree vigour or of the surrounding environment. The four strategies identified can be further interpreted as steps towards a redesign of orchard protection where integrated organic farming would be the most advanced stage. However, the paradox between effective protection strategy and biodiversity conservation still remains, casting doubts on the agroecological concept of sustainability.


EPrint Type:Journal paper
Keywords:Aphid community, Beneficials, Peach orchard, Integrated pest management, Organic farming, Biodiversity
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Production systems > Fruit and berries
Crop husbandry > Crop health, quality, protection
Research affiliation: France > INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
Deposited By: PENVERN, Servane
ID Code:18661
Deposited On:07 Apr 2011 13:19
Last Modified:07 Apr 2011 13:19
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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