Optimal profit of the parasitation by Aphelinus mali in an IPM complementary strategy for the control of Eriosoma lanigerum.

During summer the parasitoid Aphelinus mali may certainly reduce the infestation of woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), but studies on the single interaction rarely indicate sufficient biological control in the period May-June. In this period chemical control by spirotetramat or pirimicarb remains indispensable in order to anticipate on dense migration waves and subsequent colonization of extension shoots by E. lanigerum. The limited parasitation by A. mali around flowering is linked with a delayed emergence from diapause and with a slower reproduction rate than its host. In 2010 and 2011 the first adult flights monitored on yellow sticky traps corresponded perfectly with the currently used prediction models for A. mali. Further accurate monitoring all along the season enabled also to determine a well defined endo-parasitic phase of A. mali occurring after the small peak observed around flowering. During this endo-parasitic phase A. mali larvae reside inside their mummified host. Compounds with higher acute toxicity on A. mali adults, like chloronicotinyl insecticides (CNI's), are preferably positioned here. Selectivity in the time can then be claimed. Respecting this principle, the further parasitation potential of A. mali in summer is not hampered. Preservation of the first peak of flights of A. mali in the pre-flowering period is essential for an exponential flight increase. This is essential for the parasitation of E. lanigerum in summer, which constitutes a valuable complement in the integrated control strategy.

The selectivity in the time of thiacloprid (Calypso 480 SC) applied at preblossom on the further Anthocoris nemoralis population build up in pears.

Predatory bugs (Anthocoris sp.) are key predators of the pear sucker (Psyllo pyri) in pear orchards. In order to enhance biological control it is important to verify if crop protection products applied against Psylla pyri display potential short- or long-term detrimental effects on Anthocoris populations. This study focuses on the impact of thiacloprid (Calypso 480 SC), applied at preblossom for the control of the first generation pear sucker Psylla pyri, on subsequent population build up of Anthocoris nemoralis later in the season. Hereto, five large-scale trials on pear Conference were conducted. Two types of orchards were selected: the first type is surrounded by abundant vegetation from which Anthocorids easily can fly in when attracted by the presence of prey (Psylla pyri); the second type has no "reservoir" vegetation around the orchard and here it is considered that mostly the residential population of Anthocorids constitutes the predation. In all five trials positioning of thiacloprid preblossom did not prevent the normal population build up of the predatory Anthocoris sp. population later in the season. As both in orchards with surrounding vegetation and in orchards without adjacent vegetation a regular build up of the Anthocoris sp. population was observed, the outcomes of this study indicate that a preblossom application of Calypso 480 SC can be considered as "selective in time" for further Anthocoridae dynamics.