Understanding earwig phenology in top fruit orchards

Earwigs, Forficula auricularia, are key generalist predators to a variety of orchard pests. However, numbers of earwigs have declined in both organic and IPM orchards in recent years. Both Integrated and Organic fruit growers have tried to re-establish earwig populations, thus far with little success. To understand earwig population dynamics and to find measures to increase natural orchard populations, we conducted a detailed phenological survey of earwigs in orchards. Earwigs were sampled while sheltering during daytime in artificial refuges. They move into the trees from the third nymph stage onwards. In most orchards, a small second brood is produced in summer, and this has a positive impact on population size in fall. We see only minor differences in phenology between apple and pear orchards, mainly caused by differences in alternative hiding places. Earwigs show an inexplicable reduction in numbers at the timing of moulting into adults. When earwig phenology is correlated with pest phenology in apple and pear, its use for pest control of major pests is clear

Optimizing biocontrol using phenological day degree models: the European earwig in pipfruit orchards

1 Phenological day degree models are often used as warning systems for the emergence of arthropod pests in agricultural crops or the occurrence of natural enemies of the pest species. In the present study, we report on a case study of the European earwig Forficula auricularia L., which is an important natural enemy in pipfruit orchards, and describe how such a day degree model can be used to avoid negative effects of crucial orchard management, such as spray applications and soil tillage. A precise timing of these interventions in relation to the phenology of natural enemies will enhance biocontrol. 2 Earwig population dynamics are characterized by single- and double-brood populations, each with specific biological characteristics. 3 A day degree model capable of predicting the phenology of local earwig populations of both population types was developed. The model was checked for accuracy by comparing the first field observation dates of various life stages with predicted values using temperature data from the nearest weather station. In addition, variation in development time was assessed using field data. 4 The model was able to make predictions on a global scale. Although single- and double-brood populations differ in phenology, the predictions of first appearance dates were similar. Variation in development time showed that single-brood populations were more synchronized. 5 Our phenological model provides an accurate tool for predicting and simulating earwig population dynamics, as well as for enhancing the biocontrol of pests in pipfruit orchards

Aantal middelen blijkt schadelijk voor oorworm : onderzoek PPO en PCfruit toont aan

Oorwormen zijn belangrijke, natuurlijke vijanden van plagen zoals appelbloedluis en perenbladvlo. PPO en Proefcentrum Fruitteelt in België onderzochten wat het effect is van de in de fruitteelt gebruikte gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en bladmeststoffen op oorwormen. Een aantal van deze middelen blijkt schadelijk te zijn

Biological control of mites on strawberry grown under protection and in the open field

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Aantal middelen blijkt schadelijk voor oorworm : onderzoek PPO en PCfruit toont aan

Oorwormen zijn belangrijke, natuurlijke vijanden van plagen zoals appelbloedluis en perenbladvlo. PPO en Proefcentrum Fruitteelt in België onderzochten wat het effect is van de in de fruitteelt gebruikte gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en bladmeststoffen op oorwormen. Een aantal van deze middelen blijkt schadelijk te zijn

Fruit tree phytoplasma diseases and vectors in Belgium, Netherlands, and United Kingdom

In Belgium and the Netherlands phytoplasma diseases mainly affect fruit trees, while they are almost absent in the United Kingdom. Specific insect vectors were identified and strict measures to eliminate both pathogens and pests are actively implemented in Belgium and the Netherland

New and Sensitive and Fast Detection of Little cherry virus 1 using Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification. Ghent University. Proceedings of the 70th International Symposium on Crop Protection

Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1, Velarivirus, Closteroviridae) is an economically important pathogen affecting mainly cherry around the world emphasizing the impetus for its efficient and accurate on-site detection. This study describes the development of a reliable diagnostic protocol of LChV-1 based on a fast, sensitive and easy-to-use one-step reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). The protocol detects all LChV-1 isolates in less than 10 min by fluorescence monitoring using a mobile detection device (GENIE, OptiGene) and is most optimal when incubation is performed at 67°C. Sharp melting curves and unique melting temperatures (Tm) were obtained for the positive samples. Both the LAMP and classical RT-PCR methods are capable of specifically detecting LChV-1 in infected leaf tissues, but this validated leaf-to-result assay has remarkable advantages in comparison to RT-PCR. It is at least hundred fold more sensitive, significantly faster and efficient at minimal cost, and is ready for on-field applications. In conclusion, this innovative LAMP approach can contribute to implementation of sustainable integrated management strategies for on-site detection of LChV-1 in commercial orchards or for horticultural research stations. It is also suitable for decision support in phytosanitary epidemiological programs