In Swiss organic production (Bio Suisse) as well as in Swiss IPM-production (IP-SUISSE) the use of insecticides in oilseed rape is prohibited. Therefore, alternative non-insecticidal methods to control pollen beetles are required. During immigration, oilseed rape pests use volatile cues to locate their host plants. This project aims at developing a control strategy for M. aeneus based on repellent odors. In the first project year we will select the most promising odors in a lab screening. Subsequently, semi-field and field experiments will be conducted to transfer the lab results into a field application strategy.
Bio Suisse (Knospe-Ackerbau-Beiträge)
www.bioaktuell.ch/de/pflanzenbau/ackerbau/dossier-bioraps.html
