The elder plant is particularly interesting for promoting functional biodiversity. It attracts a variety of beneficial insects, including the natural predators of aphids, such as ladybirds and hoverflies, as well as certain pollinators.
As it produces extrafloral nectar, elderberry can serve as an important source of sugar for many beneficial insects, particularly when food resources in the main crop (e.g., tomatoes) are limited. Therefore, incorporating elderberry branches into tunnels could encourage the presence of beneficial insects and improve biological pest control.
The aim of this trial is to assess whether the presence of elderberry increases the number of beneficial insects and reduces the pest population, particularly aphids, in tunnels planted with tomatoes.
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