Pest control in organic fruit orchards should not rely on external inputs with adverse effects but on other strategies and methods that support biodiversity and natural cycles adapted to local conditions.

Measures contributing to the enhancement of beneficial insects, pollinators and general biodiversity in the orchard can be integrated in the orchard or at the borders.

Sawflies, such as apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) and Pear sawfly (H. brevis), are major pests in organic fruit production which can cause massive yield losses. Regulation is possible by only a few measures.

Combining different preventive strategies and direct measures can help to control the pest.

Fertilization of organic fruit orchards strongly relies on authorized external commercial fertilizers leading to nutrient flows from conventional into organic farming systems. The use of alternative fertilizers including legume-based materials and non-contentious external commercial fertilizers, should be based on locally available resourced. An integrated approach is recommended.

The Woolly apple aphid (E. lanigerum) can cause severe damage, especially in organic cultivation; sucking activity causes bark growth, the so-called blood louse canker.

Promoting natural antagonists in organic orchards is a key element in controlling E. lanigerum. Further, the tree growth should be balanced through proper (root) pruning.