Alternatives to chemical aphid control in orchards

Picture copyright Rousselin et al.

Aphids are major pests of apple and peach orchards and their management often relies on intensive chemical inputs. Rousselin et al. review the alternatives to spraying chemicals at each stage of aphid life cycle. They reckon that improvement of plant resistance to aphids combined to stimulation of aphid natural enemies can lower infestations. This could be achieved by adapting different cultural practices such as irrigation, fertilization, pruning, hedge or weed strip plantations, to orchard conditions and environment.

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