Towards improved control of Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) in integrated fruit

Since the withdrawal of certain insecticides and the restricted use of some broad-spectrum plant protection products, the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) has become one of the most severe pests in apple growing areas across western Europe. Their protective wax coating makes them particularly difficult to control. At present, effective limitation of woolly aphid populations relies on a good synergy between chemical control treatments and biological suppression by parasitoids and predators. Optimal control strategies take advantage of a thorough understanding of the life cycle of woolly apple aphids, the timing of their migration waves and their interaction with the environment. Based on monitoring data and research results (side effects trials, field population dynamics of beneficial arthropods) we here present pest management programs that take profit of a maximal natural regulation of E. lanigerum. In addition, the potential implementation of new alter¬native biological control methods is discussed.