ISHS Acta Horticulturae 525: International Conference on Integrated Fruit Production
FAUNA DYNAMICS WITHIN A PROTOTYPE INTEGRATED FRUIT PRODUCTION ORCHARD, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA |
| Authors: | R.F. Smith, C. O'Flaherty, S. Rigby, S.O. Gaul, H. Goulet |
| Keywords: | Integrated Fruit Production, Integrated Pest Management, Carabidae |
| Abstract:
In light of heightened consumer apprehension regarding food safety & environmental stewardship coupled with increasing orchard production costs, this multi-faceted research project strives to fine tune input resources while addressing ‘quality assurance’ to the consumer and enhancing loyalty to locally grown fruit. Integrated pest management (IPM) monitoring methods, including immunoassay, are used to resolve need & timing of control measures. Where possible alternatives to organophosphorus insecticides are employed if biocontrol agents cannot adequately control key pests. A pesticide resistant strain of Typhlodromus pyri is employed to control European red mite. Pest injury and fruit quality grade are assessed annually. A developmental Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) production system is under study comparing impact on beneficial species of selective pest control measures & conventional pesticide practices. The apple varieties ‘Summerland’ McIntosh and ‘Royal Court’ Cortland each comprise 50% of the 3.5 ha study area. Within each of the two production systems, three vegetation management options, mowing, herbicides and organic mulch were evaluated for impact on horticultural attributes and potential to enhance populations of beneficial ground dwelling arthropods. Significant production input savings ($500.00/hectare) have been realized in the IFP system. Replicated pit fall traps have revealed a significant abundance & diversity of ground dwelling beneficial species. Carabidae are represented by no less than 19 genera (≥40 species) dominated by nearly 70% of European origin. Genus representation comes from Carabus, Clivina, Bembidion, Chlaenius, Pterostichus, Agonum, Poecilus, Amara, Harpalus, Stenolophus, Anisodactylus, Notiophilus and Bradycellus. | |
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