Optimization of Hoverfly application for biocontrol in horticulture

Hoverflies (Syrphide) are important pollinators in natural and agriculutral systems. Moreover, the larvae of some species are natural enemies of aphids. Two hoverfly species became recentrly approved for biocontrol application in Sweden. Our goal is to improve the efficiency of hoverfly biocontrol in horticultural production outside greenhouses.

As a test system we selected raspberry production tunnels where producers are in need for alternative control methods to manage aphid infestation of plants. We test diffrent release

techniques in raspberry tunnels as well as the effect of banker plants. The project is cofinanced by the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the EU.