Conservation and augmentation of natural enemies in pest management of Chinese apple orchards.

摘要

A new cover cropping system in Beijing apple orchards, China was developed with the aim of improving pest management through conserving natural enemies. The system consists of ground cover plants (Lagopsis supina (Labiatae)) under the tree canopies(instead of the traditional cover of Chinese rape (Brassica campestris)) and alfalfa [lucerne] (Medicago sativa) in the row of apple trees. The new system is compared with the traditional cover cropping system and the advantages of using L. supina are discussed.