Summary
This study examined whether restricting movement of woolly apple aphid between spatially separated root and canopy populations could reduce pest persistence and damage in apple orchards. Field trials using sticky barriers to block upward movement were ineffective and counterproductive, as they excluded natural enemies (earwigs); however, greenhouse trials demonstrated that sandy potting media and mulch amendments reduced root feeding damage. The findings suggest that soil properties and ground-level conditions may be more important than restricting vertical pest movement for managing this agricultural pest.
UK applicability
Woolly apple aphid occurs in United Kingdom apple orchards, making these findings potentially relevant to UK growers. The result that sandy soils and mulching reduce root damage is directly applicable to UK orchard management, though the ineffectiveness of sticky barriers and unintended predator exclusion warrants careful consideration before adoption in UK integrated pest management programmes.
Key measures
Woolly apple aphid colony counts in tree canopies; root galls on trees in different potting media; earwig predator abundance on sticky-banded versus unbanded trees
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of physically restricting woolly apple aphid movement between root and canopy populations using field-based sticky barriers and greenhouse-based soil amendments. Outcomes included aphid colony counts in tree canopies, root gall formation, and predator (earwig) presence.
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