Flower reservoirs in stone fruit orchards: creating self- regulating systems with a low input strategy

Abstract

Promotion of biodiversity has great potential to contribute to organic fruit growing by increasing and facilitating natural pest control. Flower strips are a known management strategy used in orchards and vegetable production and used to provide habitat for beneficial insects increasing biocontrol of pests and pollination of crop plants. However, in organic stone fruit production perennial flowers strips are not as widely implemented because of the logistical challenges (for example additional machinery) and high efforts needed for maintenance of flowers strips. Pest population build up in orchards is facilitated by enclosures and therefore there is a need to promote biocontrol agent’s diversity and abundance in orchards as well as pollination. In this project, we will exploit our large experience in Agroecology, to promote biodiversity and natural pest control in organic orchards with a low input strategy. The overall goal of this research project is to test whether flower reservoirs implemented in areas adjacent to the tree rows and in anchoring areas where tractors do not transit can provide similar benefits as those provided by flower strips in the orchard alley, while reducing the logistical challenges and maintenance efforts needed from farmers, and therefore, increasing its acceptance and implementation