There have been tremendous problems introduced in the fruit-growing world because the balance of nature has been upset and the predators of many of the insects have been killed. There are, for instance Black- kneed capsid bugs which feed on red spiders and those who spray indiscriminately may well have a tremendous build up of red spider infestation.
The predacious and beneficial insects include Anthocorid species, Black-kneed capsids, ladybirds, five species of Hymenopterous parasites, hover flies, two species of lacewing flies, and true spiders. These insects have also been found in the orchard surrounds of the eight farms surveyed in 1957.
There is no doubt, however, that if pests have a choice of either attacking a plant fed with chemical fertilizers and a plant grown organically, they will invariably go for the former rather than the latter. It has been possible to show, for instance, on plots laid out side by side that the black fly on broad beans will always go for the chemically fed plants rather than those grown with compost. The problem, however, lies in the direction that one doesn't just know where the aphides would go if there were no plants grown with chemical fertilizers!
It appears that we shall have to learn how to use this information correctly. I have discovered serious weaknesses in the control of the tortricid caterpillars and we will press for fresh methods and techniques for their control.
Most people regard insects as a group of animals which should be eradicated as quickly as possible by any means available. I used to think the same about any species of animal which in any way was an impediment to man. Gradually, and through hard experience, two important facts have been learned. First, we know that with most species eradication is exceedingly difficult-being apparently strongly resisted by nature-and second, in the long view of things, eradication is undesirable in most cases.
Get to know the insects and host plants of the orchard and surround. Use the presence of predacious insects with care; know how they live; avoid their extermination. They are doing valuable work in the orchard surrounds even when not present in the orchard. Time the spray applications accurately. Apply the control materials only when the pest is present and then at the pest's most vulnerable stage. - 15266
The predacious and beneficial insects include Anthocorid species, Black-kneed capsids, ladybirds, five species of Hymenopterous parasites, hover flies, two species of lacewing flies, and true spiders. These insects have also been found in the orchard surrounds of the eight farms surveyed in 1957.
There is no doubt, however, that if pests have a choice of either attacking a plant fed with chemical fertilizers and a plant grown organically, they will invariably go for the former rather than the latter. It has been possible to show, for instance, on plots laid out side by side that the black fly on broad beans will always go for the chemically fed plants rather than those grown with compost. The problem, however, lies in the direction that one doesn't just know where the aphides would go if there were no plants grown with chemical fertilizers!
It appears that we shall have to learn how to use this information correctly. I have discovered serious weaknesses in the control of the tortricid caterpillars and we will press for fresh methods and techniques for their control.
Most people regard insects as a group of animals which should be eradicated as quickly as possible by any means available. I used to think the same about any species of animal which in any way was an impediment to man. Gradually, and through hard experience, two important facts have been learned. First, we know that with most species eradication is exceedingly difficult-being apparently strongly resisted by nature-and second, in the long view of things, eradication is undesirable in most cases.
Get to know the insects and host plants of the orchard and surround. Use the presence of predacious insects with care; know how they live; avoid their extermination. They are doing valuable work in the orchard surrounds even when not present in the orchard. Time the spray applications accurately. Apply the control materials only when the pest is present and then at the pest's most vulnerable stage. - 15266
About the Author:
Even though the fruit of peach, plum or apple fruit trees in your garden may feel firm, its skin is fragule and if broken is quickly susceptible to rot.
