Apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea): Catch that fly (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary

Catching sawflies reduces the need for intervention and decreases damage.
Practical recommendations
Fixing the white sticky tape:
• Start before the first flowers are open with Rimpro / Fruitweb models that predict the start of the flight.
• Hang 150-250 sticky tapes per hectare, depending on infection pressure.
• Fix the sticky tapes with staplers between the horizontal wires of the trellis system between the trees.
• In orchards without a trellis system, research about an effective method of fixing the tapes is needed.
• No branches should cover or move against the sticky tapes.
• One person on the working platform for the top wire and two persons for the lower wires are needed.
• Two rows can be done at once.
• The distance between the wires can vary from 1 to 2 m. Start at the high wire and go down to the lower wire.
• Remove the bands soon after flowering to prevent the bycatching of bees and natural enemies.
Monitoring the effect: Check the number of egg-laying stiches in the flower bottom. The threshold is 1-4 stitches/100 flower clusters.
Direct control measurements
• Remove infested fruits manually in spring (reduces primary- and secondary infestation).
• When necessary, use Quassia or NeemAzal-T/S at bloom/petal fall.
• Check the permission status for Quassia in your country.
Costs: 255-502€/ha, depending on length and number of tapes (length 1 or 2 m, amount 150-250/ha, 10-14 hours labour à 18€/hr, tape 0,5€/m).