Einfluss von Habitatmanagement auf die Reduktion von Schadlepidopteren im Kohl

Summary

Beneficials can prevent or reduce outbreaks of pest species. To strengthen the
populations of beneficials, their food sources must be improved in cultivated areas.
The effects of habitat management for augmenting beneficial population on parasitism
and predation rates of three lepidopteran pest species were investigated on two
organic fields in Alten (Switzerland). The aim was to improve pest regulation through
wild flower strips along fields and by planting Centaurea cyanus as companion plant
within the crop. Strips of Centaurea cyanus and Fagopyrum esculentum increased
parasitsm on the lepidopteran pests. C. cyanus planted as companion plant
furthermore increased predation on the eggs and parasitism of the larvae of Mamestra
brassicae. Several technical and methodological aspects still need to be improved
before the approach is ready for practical use.