Flower strips increase the control of rosy apple aphids after parasitoid releases in an apple orchard

Mass releases of two parasitoid species, Aphidius matricariae and Ephedrus cerasicola, may provide an alternative measure to pesticides control the rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea in organic orchards. As exploratory study, we tested if presence flower strips between tree rows could improve action three early releases––and other naturally present enemies––on colonies number aphids per tree. Apple trees located at various distances from release points were monitored plots with without orchard over years, along season infestation (March July). Our case study demonstrated that flowering plant mixes alleyways reduced D. by 33.4%, compared strips, peak date. We also showed a negative effect increasing distance on control. However, our results date suggest marginally compensate for detrimental point, probably improving persistence dispersal capacities natural enemies. Despite high variations population dynamics conclude combining orchards is promising biological aphid, although method merits be further refined.