pests

Does biodiversity affect Olive fly populations? Evidence from different understorey treatments

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The agricultural industry is intensifying production methods to increase crop yields. Olive cultivation, the prevalent permanent crop in Europe and the Mediterranean area, involves intense practices with heavy agrochemical use. This significantly impacts agroecosystem biodiversity and its ecosystem services. In this study, we explore how biodiversity influences the adult olive fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)) population…

Developing perennial wildflower strips for use in Mediterranean orchard systems

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To support sustainable food production and the delivery of ecosystem services through ecological intensification, wildflower strips have become a popular strategy. Despite their success in temperate orchard systems, they remain understudied in Mediterranean ecosystems, which poses a significant barrier to uptake. In order to further promote their adoption, seed mixes must be optimised for commercial…

Effect of Different Cover Crops, Mass-Trapping Systems and Environmental Factors on Invertebrate Activity in Table Olive Orchards-Results from Field Experiments in Crete, Greece

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Although the negative effects of insecticides and herbicides on beneficial and non-target invertebrates are well documented, there is limited information on potential negative impacts of pest and weed management practices used in organic farming on invertebrate activity. Using established field experiments designed to compare different ground cover crops (used to suppress weeds and increase nitrogen…

Are plants intelligent? It depends on the definition

Are plants intelligent? It depends on the definition

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Goldenrod can perceive other plants nearby without ever touching them, by sensing far-red light ratios reflected off leaves. When goldenrod is eaten by herbivores, it adapts its response based on whether or not another plant is nearby. Is this kind of flexible, real-time, adaptive response a sign of intelligence in plants? The question is not…

Ground cover management with mixtures of flowering plants to enhance insect pollinators and natural enemies of pests in olive groves

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The potential of ground cover management with mixtures of selected plants to provide habitats for pollinating insects and natural enemies of pests in an olive grove in southern Greece, was studied over a period of 3 years (2011–2013). The management consisted of … >>> Karamaouna, F., Kati, V., Volakakis, N., Varikou, K., Garantonakis, N., Economou,…

Keeping native bees buzzing requires rethinking pest control

Keeping native bees buzzing requires rethinking pest control

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Whether you’re strolling through a garden, wandering a park, or simply enjoying an open space in the United States, you’re likely to notice bees buzzing about the flowers. While honeybees, imported from Europe in the 17th century to produce honey, are the most recognizable, they aren’t the only bees at work. If you’re a keen…