BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract - The aphid Aphis gossypii is an efficient and common vector of the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). To protect European citrus from CTV, aphid control is mandatory.

Beneficial insects and biopesticides are eco-friendly control approaches. Depending on the strategy, the synergy between them may result in effective aphid control.

Delottococcus aberiae is a widespread invasive mealybug native to South Africa. It reaches high population levels and causes severe distortion and size reduction in developing fruits. Combining different methodologies, such as precautionary measures, application of plant protection products, an attract-and-kill system with sexual pheromone, physical barriers against ants and the release of predators, may help control mealybug.

Limited data regarding the resources and methods used by organic fruit growers to learn about production practices are available, even though this information is crucial to improving the efficacy of knowledge transfer. Therefore, a survey to gain information from knowledge networks dealing with organic fruit production about their structural organisation, tasks and methods of communication was carried out in twenty-one countries from Europe and the Mediterranean basin.