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Ecological benefits of Anystis baccarum in an orchard ecosystem and the need for its conservation

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Abstract

Integrated pest management programs are very important in the control of invertebrate pests within apple orchards. Many current integrated pest management strategies concentrate on specialist predatory species. However, generalist beneficial insects, such as several mite species, must also be fully researched for their potential in controlling pests. Previous research has shown that the generalist predatory mite Anystis baccarum (Linnaeus) can offer much potential in controlling invertebrate pests within Northern Irish apple orchards. However, apple growers have been mis-identifying this beneficial species as the economic pest European fruit tree red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch). As a result, unnecessary pesticide applications have been applied against what has now been confirmed as a beneficial species. To aid apple growers in the identification of A. baccarum, identification cards were produced. Positive uptake of the cards by many apple growers has resulted in correct identification of A. baccarum from P. ulmi, and therefore, a reduction in chemical pesticide applications. The benefits of A. baccarum within orchard ecosystems is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK

    A. G. S. Cuthbertson Ph.D. (Senior Applied Entomologist)

  2. The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX, UK

    A. K. Murchie Ph.D. (Senior Scientific Officer)

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  1. A. G. S. Cuthbertson Ph.D.
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  2. A. K. Murchie Ph.D.
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Correspondence to A. G. S. Cuthbertson Ph.D..

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Cuthbertson, A.G.S., Murchie, A.K. Ecological benefits of Anystis baccarum in an orchard ecosystem and the need for its conservation. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 7, 807–813 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03326190

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