Controlling aphids, especially the green plum aphid (Brachycaudus helichrysi), is a major challenge in organic plum cultivation. The pest causes considerable damage by sucking on leaves and shoots, leading to yield losses and reduced quality. Previous control strategies using paraffin oil and soap preparations have often shown only limited effectiveness. New approaches involving the application of kaolin in the fall suggest that the return flight and colonization of aphids on trees can be reduced.
The aim of the project is to test the effectiveness of this method under practical conditions and to develop an ecologically and economically optimized strategy for aphid control in organic plum cultivation. Various treatment strategies (kaolin, kaolin & oil, oil, untreated control) are being tested on four to six commercial farms. The effect is recorded by counting aphids, assessing damage, and monitoring the return flight. In addition, the influence on beneficial insects is being investigated. The results should contribute to reducing the use of more problematic pesticides, thus offering ecological and economic advantages.
Project Manager
