Compatibility of organic farming treatments against Monosteira unicostata with non-target arthropod fauna of almond trees canopy

Abstract

Field trials had shown that 1-2 applications of kaolin and potassium salts of fatty acids combined with thyme essential oil (PSTEO) reduced the abundance of the lace bug Monosteira unicostata (Mulsant & Rey) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), an important pest of almond trees in the Mediterranean region. These products could be useful for the control of this pest in organic production of almonds, but higher number of applications could be necessary. However, the possible detrimental effects on the almond orchard ecosystem should be evaluated. In the present work, the effects observed on the non-target arthropod fauna of the almond trees canopy in those field assays are shown. First, a comprehensive report of the non-target arthropod fauna of the almond tree is provided. Regarding natural enemies, most of the predatory arthropods captured were spiders belonging to different families like Salticidae, Thomisidae, Philodromidae, Theridiidae, Araneidae or Oxyopidae. Other predatory families that appeared in significant numbers were Chrysopidae, Anthocoridae, Aeolothripidae, Coccinellidae, Phytoseiidae, Erythraeidae or Forficulidae. Among parasitoids, the most abundant families were Eulophidae, Scelionidae and Dryinidae. Kaolin reduced the abundance of natural enemies and other non-target arthropods as well as their diversity and number of species. On the contrary, PSTEO only produced a slight reduction in the number of natural enemies, whereas no effect was found on the diversity and species richness. These effects were observed despite the reduced number of applications, so greater effect is expected if its frequency is increased in order to achieve an efficient control of M. unicostata.Additional keywords: kaolin; insecticidal soaps; thyme essential oil; organic almond production; Prunus dulcis; natural enemies Abbreviations used: PRC (principal response curve analysis); PSTEO (potassium salts of fatty acids combined with thyme essential oil). (Tables S1, S2, S3 and S4) accompanies the paper on SJAR's website.

Ecological and Economic Indicators for the Evaluation of Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Orchard Renewal in Sicily

“…Due to the climate conditions, the natural inclination of the drying phase during the summer has always allowed a very simplified post-harvest management to be applied to this crop, which translates to the possibility of being commercialized for a much longer period and at lower storage costs when kept in shells [56] as well as to always meet a high degree of consumer preferences [57]. It should also be stressed that, with these specific characteristics, the transition of the plantings to complete organic management is very simple and is very much favored by the rusticity of the species and its resilience to the main fungal and insect diseases [58].…”

Reviewing the Adverse Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Measures on Almond Trees (Prunus dulcis)

“…The mating disruption (MD) technology through pheromone application can be used for the control of Grapholita molesta and Anarsia lineatella Zeller [124]. Kaolin and potassium salts of fatty acids thyme essential oil (PSTEO) may be an option to control Monosteira unicostate and Phyllonorycter corylifoliella to reduce the individual's number and conserve the almond orchard characteristics [125][126][127]. Moreover, the monitoring tools (such as camera traps, light traps, and sticky traps) help farmers track pest populations.…”

Testing the Single and Combined Effect of Kaolin and Spinosad against Bactrocera oleae and Its Natural Antagonist Insects in an Organic Olive Grove

“…This evidence is particularly important for olive growers in the definition of olive fruit fly management systems aimed at avoiding the generation of selection pressures, at limiting prolonged effects on (even beneficial) non-target organisms and, no less important, at cost reduction through a rationalization in the use and dosage of control methods. In fact, in orchard experiments, the onset of resistance to spinosad in olive fly [ 39 ], as well as toxicity for non-target insects [ 40 , 41 , 42 ] has been described, whereas the drawbacks related to kaolin employment concern the onset of resistance [ 38 ], leaching by rainfall (and so the need for repeated applications during the olive season), and the negative effects on abundance and the diversity of non-target arthropods [ 23 , 43 , 44 ] and the community of natural enemies [ 25 ]. However, this negative effect could be somewhat mitigated through the sustainable management of the olive grove (such as organic management) that has clear positive effects on some soil quality parameters including microbial and pedofaunal communities abundance and diversity [ 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”