Insect Pest Control in Orchards

Abstract

The species of pests in our orchards have natural predators and parasites. These natural enemies of pests play an important role in regulating pest populations. One way of reducing pest damage, therefore, is to create an orchard habitat that encourages biodiversity and these natural enemies. Many pesticides will kill these beneficial species when we are trying to control the pests, and the first line of defense is removed the next time the pest species attacks fruit trees. Agriculture is more sustainable and resilient to change when it mimics biological systems. Codling moth is a common pest of apple fruit. It feeds on the fruit for many weeks. Many pests invest in orchard crops such as apple maggot, gypsy moth, peachtree borer, pecan weevil, psyllid, sawfly, and scale insect.