< Back to previous page
Project
Towards knowledge-based control of Phylloxera pear aphid and nose rot in Flemish pear production (PhylloxPera)
Problem:
Increasing international trade of plant products and climate change are increasing the risk of introduction and establishment of new invasive pathogens. For example, in recent years (since 2017-2018), pears with 'nose rot' (=non-consumable pears due to a dark spot around the calyx) have been remarkably problematic. Nose rot is caused by a complex of fungi (including Fusarium, Stemphylium, Alternaria), but unacceptable damage was often observed even in orchards where intensive fungicide treatment was applied during flowering. We recently discovered the real cause of this problem: the fungal infestation -which causes the symptoms- appears to be strongly linked to the presence of the Phylloxera pear aphid Aphanostigma piri (Kholodovsky). This pest has not previously been observed or described in Flanders, so there is a great need for knowledge about its biological characteristics, as well as its control possibilities in an integrated (IPM) crop protection strategy.
Overall goal and specific objectives:
The overall goal of this project is the development and practical validation of a control strategy against pear aphid and the associated nose-rot damage. To this end, we aim at further data-driven knowledge gathering on this new pest on the one hand, and the translation of this knowledge into effective management measures on the other. We want to achieve this by realising the following specific objectives:
o Filling knowledge gaps regarding the biology of A. piri (including the impact of natural enemies and pear varieties/rootstocks) and the link with nose rot infections in Flemish climate and pear growing conditions, via a data-driven approach with as much data input from practice (pear growers) and output (consultation) via a user-friendly informative online tool.
o The development of a phenological model to predict the life stages of A. piri in the field, also consultable online for growers, allowing growers to determine the optimal timing for treatments.
o Investigating innovative biological control options against A. piri and nose rot-causing fungal pathogens based on environmentally friendly, microbial agents.
o Development of an IPM control strategy based on the acquired knowledge against A. piri and the secondary nasal rot fungal infections, and field validations through field tests.
Expected results and impact:
With this LA project, we aim to provide pear growers with practical solutions for the integrated control of pear aphid (A. piri) and associated nose rot infections. The data collected both through laboratory experiments and in the field will form the basis for outlining a knowledge-based control strategy. The results will be available to growers through an online tool that will also allow feedback of their observations and experiences in the field.
Date:1 Nov 2023 → Today
Keywords:fruit, crop protection, pear, pear Phylloxera aphid, Aphanostigma piri, biological control, Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Disciplines:Horticultural crop protection