A Spotlight On: Beneficials

Promising signs of pest reduction have been revealed in early results from Dr Bethan Shaw and Tara Taylor’s research into the re-establishment of beneficial insects.

The project, which aims to bolster and reestablish beneficials in the orchard block using methods and processes that can be adopted by growers, has also recorded a reduction in woolly apple aphid colonies on trees that have beneficial insect refuges.

“Beneficial insects offer a natural, sustainable way to control pests and reduces reliance on pesticides,” says Dr Shaw. “Moving towards a more balanced ecosystem allows growers to tap into the power of these insects for free biological control, which can improve the overall health of orchards,” she says.

“In the long run, this approach benefits growers by creating more resilient ecosystems that need less intervention and provide better, more sustainable yields.

 

Below: A selection of beneficial insects and their new, bottle refuge. 

Support and enthusiasm for the project from growers has significantly helped the research programme along, says Dr Shaw.

“There have been several (what I think are) exciting results, including the reduced woolly apple aphid colonies on trees which we have fitted with beneficial insect refuges. We were also surprised by the impact the cyclone had on ground-nesting beneficial insects, like a reduced presence of earwigs. This impact was not seen in the pest species, which also have a below-soil stage, but that’s likely why they are such ‘successful’ pests.

“Some things, like establishing the floral strips, have had hiccups but they have been good learning opportunities and provide guidance for growers who may want to try this approach in future.

“This research would not have been possible without the unwavering support and efforts of the Kinross Orchard staff who have gone above and beyond to get this project up and running.”

The deployment of beneficial insect refuges in orchards could be easily replicated by growers, says Dr Shaw.

“These are just homemade shelters which offer a hiding place and protection from sprays and birds.”

Over time, it is hoped that resources can be developed that enables growers to check on the health of their beneficial insects in orchards and respond to dips in key species populations.

 

Below: Tara Taylor (in orange) shows Kinross orchard team which beneficial species have been found during ‘tap sampling’.