Integrated control of root-feeding fly larvae infesting vegetable crops (FlyIPM)

• Forschungsstelle: BLW
• Projektnummer: 12.04_5

Schlüsselwörter (Deutsch)

IPM, Delia, Psila, Fliegen, Kohl, Karotte, Wurzel, Getreide, Doldenblütler, Zwiebel, Kreuzblütler, DSS, entomopathogene Pilze, flüchtige Verbindungen, physikalische Barrieren

Schlüsselwörter (Englisch)

IPM, Delia, Psila, flies, cabbage, carrot, root, crops, umbelliferous, onion, cruciferous, DSS, entomopathogenic fungi, volatile compounds, physical barriers

Schlüsselwörter (Französisch)

PM, Delia, Psila, mouches, chou, carotte, racine, cultures, ombellifères, oignon, crucifères, DSS, champignons entomopathogènes, composés volatils, barrières physiques

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

The aim of the proposed project is to improve the management of root-feeding fly larvae infesting outdoor vegetable crops using an integrated approach (IPM). The key pest insects are Delia radicum, D. floralis, D. antiqua, D. platura and Psila rosae and all considerably reduce crop yield and quality if not managed effectively. We will improve the management of these pests by 1) assimilating and synthesising information on pest life-cycles and on monitoring and forecasting approaches to improve integration of control methods; 2) developing methods to reduce the likelihood of adult insects finding and/or infesting susceptible crop plants; 3) developing and refining methods for biological control of larval and adult insects with entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and nematodes; 4) integrating existing and newly-developed methods of control into IPM strategies and 5) disseminating information to a community of stakeholders to improve pest management at field and farm level. This will reduce the need for, and improve the performance of, insecticidal methods of control, increase the quality of produce, minimise waste both pre- and post-farmgate and reduce insecticide use and the resulting adverse effects on the environment and human health. The main outcomes of the project will be 1) improved understanding of pest and natural enemy phenology, together with refinement of existing monitoring and forecasting approaches; 2) scientific progress from research on methods of manipulating pest insect behaviour which may lead to novel methods of control; 3) scientific progress in pest control with entomopathogens and on plant-EPF-insect interactions which may lead to new and more efficacious approaches to their application and 4) integration of control methods under field conditions leading to improved control; 5) information and techniques will become more freely available within Europe. The main target group will be vegetable producers in Europe and their advisors but the project will also involve the wider supply chain, which includes companies that supply products and information for pest monitoring, forecasting and control, seed companies, processors and retailers. The scientific community will also benefit from the newly generated knowledge and information about the project will be of interest to consumers and home gardeners. The consortium consists of 9 partner organisations from 8 countries and represents a significant proportion of European expertise on these pest insects.