Optimized timing of IPM treatments against pear Psylla (Cacopsylla pyri) based on a temperature driven population dynamics model

Pear suckers (Cacopsylla sp. or pear Psylla) (Hemiptera Psyllidae) are widely considered to be the most important pest in pear orchards. They are mostly feared by growers because of their secreted abundant honeydew colonized by sooty mould fungi causing blackening of leaves, shoots and fruits. Sustainable control of pear Psylla relies on their natural suppression by beneficial arthropods and a well-tuned integration of crop protection treatments. However, population dynamics of pear Psylla are complex with their presence in pear trees throughout the whole year in 4-5 consecutive generations in commercial pear growing in Northwestern Europe. On the other hand, main beneficial arthropods like predatory bugs (Anthocoris sp.) and earwigs (Forficula auricularia L.) are only at certain periods present as active psyllid predators on pear shoots and foliage. In order to achieve a maximal control efficacy on the pear Psylla population and a minimal side-effect on their natural enemies, we followed a modelling approach to optimize IPM treatment schedules and minimize required chemical sprayings (and residues). A temperature driven model forecasting the dynamics and populations structure (eggs/larvae/adults) of Pear Psylla was used to optimize timing of control sprayings targeting a specific life stage of the pest. In addition, impact on beneficial populations was minimized by avoiding non-selective treatments on their vulnerable life stages using a similar population dynamics forecasting modeling approach. This model-based strategy for an improved sustainable control of pear Psylla was tested in multiple field trials. The outcomes of these field validation trials are presented and discussed, providing valuable insights in model driven integrated pest management in commercial fruit growing.

Key words: pear Psylla, model, beneficial arthropods, Integrated Pest Management, population dynamics

Documents

Optimized timing of IPM treatments against pear Psylla (Cacopsylla pyri) based on a temperature driven population dynamics model () Presentation title slide

Details

Activity type

Participation in scientific conference

Activity work package

Reduction in pesticide residues

Activity number

PcFruit-WP3-a10

Activity contact

Tim Belien

Activity partner

pcfruit vzw

Activity country

Belgium

Last edit

03-10-2017

Event

Event name

IOBC

Event location

Thessaloníki, Greece

Event participants

Tim Belien, researcher Zoology
Rik Clymans, researcher Zoology

Event dissemination

oral presentation