Rosy apple aphid: Promote natural antagonists against the rosy apple aphid (Biofruitnet Practice Abstract)

Summary

Flower strips have a positive impact on pest management – addressing various pests. They enhance the biodiversity of orchards and promote beneficial insects, such as Hoverfly, lacewing and ladybug larvae as well as birds and bats.
Practical recommendation
• Use native perennial and species rich flower strips to promote aphid predating and/or -parasitising beneficial insects (e.g., flower bugs, gall midges, etc.).
• Several adult parasitoids and predators depend on open flowers and accessible pollen for their development.
• Important native herbs with open flowers are Meadow-Labwort (Galium album), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Dyer’s Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria), Chicory (Cichorium intybus), wild carrot (Daucus carota), Meadow Pippe (Crepis biennis), Rough Dandelion (Leontodon hispidus).
• Place flower strips in the middle of each or each second driving alley for best results. Alternatively place them along the edges of orchards as high perennial strips.
• Be cautious in vole management as voles may find shelter among flower strips.
Read this practice abstract for more info on requirement, implementation, maintenance and advantages/disadvantages of flowering strips within the driving alleys.