Ground cover presence in organic olive orchards affects the interaction of natural enemies against Prays oleae, promoting an effective egg predation

The olive moth, Prays oleae, is one of the most common insects that damages olives in Mediterranean region. establishment ground cover within orchards has been promoted this region recent years to avoid erosion and soil degradation. Nevertheless, its role as a shelter for natural enemies pests controversial. In study, we have investigated effectiveness biological control P. oleae organic with (mowed) without (tilled). For this, (1) assessed relationship between predated eggs abundance both types orchards; (2) compared potential damage pest egg hatching two (3) examined interaction amongst families (as adults eggs). results showed there high rate predation studied orchards, 81% were predated, 12.2% hatched, 6.9% live eggs. However, mowed more effective controlling by means rather than tilled i.e., whilst was higher, low. structure adult arthropod community, composition did not differ but Anthocoridae, Miridae Scelionidae significantly higher orchards. Finally, better explained effects on Aeolothripidae, Miridae, Chrysopidae (predators), Formicidae (omnivore). We discuss terms ecological interactions trophic guilds conclude maintenance at least June July, great significance because it positively affects oleae. This effect especially significant when low