New Knowledge About the Ecology and Control of Important Pests in Apple Cultivation

摘要

A large-scale three-year study on apple orchards in Havelland uncovered key knowledge about the ecology and control of significant pests for 3 different varieties. Experiments included a range of different blocks and varieties and focussed on the apple blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum), the rose tortrix moth (Archips rosana), the reticulated tortrix moth (Adoxophyes reticulana) and the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi). The experiments were divided according to season, from budding through flowering and finally at harvest. Infestation by the apple blossom weevil depended on the timing of flowering for the variety. The "Breuhahn" variety was the most heavily infested. Later and more delayed flowering resulted in higher infestation rates. The attack by pests had a thinning effect with corresponding flower infestation rates. There was no effect on yield when flowering tendency was normal. The flower clusters and leaves of the early-harvest variety "James Grieve" was most heavily infested by the rose tortrix moth (Archips rosana). The extent of the damage from pests that attack leaves could be determined exactly using the drying method. The rose tortrix showed significant differences only in the number of leaves in infected and healthy plants. There were significant differences in leaf mass between untreated controls and fruit clusters infested by the reticulated tortrix (Adoxophyes reticulana) for all 3 varieties. The "James Grieve" variety was most heavily infested. The results of the experiments involving the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) in healthy and infested leaves and leaf number revealed preferential infestation of the "Golden Delicious" and "James Grieve" varieties. Overall, the study provided key information for the prognosis and control of key pests in apple cultivation.