Danish success in biological control in roses

摘要

Biological pest control in cut roses has, for a long time, been regarded as impossible. But by means of close cooperation between grower and advisers and the use of new natural enemies, a project in Denmark has achieved interesting results. The project was subsidised by "GAU" - an organisation supporting attempts to reduce pesticide use within the "green sector" in Denmark. Roses are not only a delight for the eye, but unfortunately also a delight for most known pests. Among these are whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, caterpillars, black weevils, bugs, aphids and cicada. On top of that different kinds of fungal diseases -most of all powdery mildew -can attack the roots and leafs. This complexity of pest and diseases has kept most growers from trying biological control in cut roses. Most of those who try give up after a period of time. Nevertheless, biological control is still an ambition of many growers.