Direct regulation of the black cherry aphid in organic table cherry production
The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is the main pest in modern organic table cherry production. In orchards with installed rain protection and insect nets, robust aphid populations can build up, leading to significant yield losses and tree damage. The black cherry aphid can be indirectly and directly regulated. This practice abstract gives recommendations for […]
Collateral impacts of organic farming
Published in Science – Organic and conventional farms are frequently located close to one another because of suitable climate and soil conditions, proximity to marketing channels, ownership, and other local factors. Yet proximity does not necessarily make for compatibility. Drift from pesticide sprays or pollen from genetically modified crops can threaten organic certification status (1). […]
Mechanical weed control in organic orchards: Gyroscopic crumblers
In organic orchards, weed control is very important, as herbicides are not allowed. Additionally, purely superficial mowing of the undergrowth is not sufficient, especially in spring with young & low-stem trees. Solution The gyroscopic crumbler regulates the weeds mechanically by means of two horizontally rotating tools, one of which also swings out into the inter-trunk […]
Control methods in organic citrus against the new invasive Mealybug Delottococcus aberiae
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 […]
Alternate mowing in organic orchards as a biodiversity enhancement measure
Beneficial insects often lack enough food supply and nesting spots in orchards. Most of the measures to enhance biodiversity also require investment for implementation. Alternate mowing is a cheap, easy and fast implementable measure to raise food and nesting supply of natural antagonists. The workload decreases, and therefore it saves time and costs. Alternating mulching […]
Mating Disruption: Key element of a successful building block strategy against Cydia pomonella in organic apple production
The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is the most important and most frequent pest in organic fruit growing. The larvae of the codling moth damage apples in particular and can cause considerable crop losses. The confusion technique can be considered as an elementary component of codling moth control. The most important condition for successful control is […]
Preventive and indirect measures to regulate woolly apple aphid in organic orchards
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. A combination of preventive measures and […]
Direct regulation of the black cherry aphid in organic table cherry production
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is the main pest in modern organic table cherry production. In orchards with installed rain protection and insect nets, robust aphid populations can build up, leading to significant yield losses and tree damage. The black cherry aphid can be indirectly and directly regulated. This practice […]
Regulation of sawflies in organic orchards
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. A combined strategy of different direct and indirect actions […]
Organic farming: basic principles and good practices – Dossier 2021
Demand for organically produced food is continuously increasing, as is the interest of governments. It is expected that the organic area will continue to grow but producers must change many things to transition to organic. The basic principles of organic agriculture are a great starting point for those interested in transitioning to growing their crops […]
