Is the alternating mowing of orchard alleys an option to promote # owerbugs on pears? () In a trial conducted in three pear orchards under organic and two under integrated pest management during the 2016 season, no e1 ects of alternating versus complete mowing of alleys every 14 to 21 days on the population density of ; owerbugs (Anthocoris spp.) was observed. These and other bene< cial organisms were already present at su= cient numbers to act as antagonists of pear leaf suckers (Cacopsylla pyri) during the development of second-generation nymphs after ; owering. Therefore the use of non-harmful insecticides during the 2016 season is likely to have been more important than the alternating mowing of alleys. Only long-term studies can show whether this is a general trend in Northern Germany. |