The apple aphid is a common pest in apple orchards and can cause significant damage to trees and their fruit production. These sap-sucking insects feed on the leaves and young stems of the tree and, if left unchecked, can weaken the tree and reduce the quantity and quality of the fruit.

Apple aphids are small, soft-bodied insects and can vary in color from light green to dark brown or black. They reproduce quickly and can form colonies in large numbers in a short amount of time. Additionally, apple aphids can transmit diseases through their saliva, which can cause diseases and deformations in the leaves and fruit of the tree.

There are several ways to control and prevent apple aphid infestations in apple trees. One of the most effective measures is the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on the apple aphids and help to reduce their population.

Specific insecticides can also be used to control apple aphids, but it is important to note that some of these products can be harmful to other beneficial insects and animals. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully read the product instructions and follow appropriate safety guidelines.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a clean and well-cared-for orchard by regularly removing dead and diseased leaves and branches. This helps to reduce the number of places where apple aphids can hide and reproduce.

In summary, the apple aphid is a common pest in apple orchards, but there are effective measures to prevent and control their infestation. By introducing natural predators, using specific insecticides, and maintaining a clean and well-cared-for orchard, it is possible to prevent these sap-sucking insects from damaging trees and their fruit production.

In this sense, the use of other agricultural biocontrol products such as ORTIMAX is recommended, which are safe for the user and respectful of the environment and auxiliary fauna.

ORTIMAX present a triple insecticide action:

· Coumarins stop the pest from feeding
· Formic acid creates a corrosive environment that inhibits the respiratory mitochondrial chain of insects
· Benzoic acids and other volatile acids have a strong repellent action

ORTIMAX present also a fungicide action against Alternaria, Botrytis, Mildew, and others due to its Silice content

ADVANTAGES

   • Reinforce the natural defense mechanism of plants
   • Acts as a fertilizer or as a plant stimulant
   • Rich content of secondary elements such as S, Si and Mg and other microelements such as Fe and Mn
   • Better caliber and quality of fruits
   • Farmer could reduce plant protection products usage
   • 100% organic and zero residue product
   • Safe for the user and environmentally friendly
   • Its inclusion in resistance management strategies is very useful

TRIALS

In a trial carried out by ADLER on a Golden Delicius variety apple crop in Girona, the efficacy of ORTIMAX in controlling the apple aphid plague was verified.

RESULTS

   • Apple trees treated with Ortimax present an 11% more yield regarding the control
   • Plants treated with Ortimax were significantly greener and healthier. Also, the apples had better caliber and quality
   • Six treatments with Ortimax helped keep the pest under control without needing any other plant protection product. Even the last application was expendable
   • Apple trees of the control treatment needed two treatments with Diazinon
   • Ortimax respects the auxiliary fauna. This issue explains why the growth of the pest in the case of Ortimax-treated plants is less aggressive