Release of reared ladybirds (Adalia bipunctata) to control the rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea)

State of the Art:

In Swiss organic agriculture the rosy apple aphid can be controlled by the application of insecticides of vegetal origin (neem- or pyrethrum-based products). However, many organic fruit growers look for other approaches to control this aphid. Biocontrol by inundative releases of the indigenous ladybird beetle Adalia bipunctata are promising.

Definition of the problem:

Control of the rosy apple aphid by the means of biocontrol instead of the use of insecticides of vegetal origin.

Project aims:

Control of the rosy apple aphid by biocontrol with released ladybird beetles.

Methodology:

Definition of date of release, interval of releases, predator-prey ratio, stage of development for release for Adalia bipunctata by:

• laboratory experiments on seedlings
• semi-field experiments (field cages) on seedlings
• field experiments on experimental orchards
• on-farm experiments

• ENFA Toulouse (France)
• Andermatt Biocontrol AG, Grossdietwil (Switzerland)

• Wyss Eric ()

• Plant Protection - Phytopathology (Department of Crop Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)