Articles
NARCISSUS: INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CONTROL OF LARGE NARCISSUS FLY (MERODON EQUESTRIS (F)) USING NON-CHEMICAL METHODS
Article number
570_55
Pages
391 – 394
Language
English
Abstract
Large Narcissus Fly (Merodon equestris (F)) is a persistent pest in commercial narcissus crops in South-west England.
Chemical control methods are now very few in number and those that exist have limitations both in terms of efficiency and their environmental and safety aspects.
Narcissus growers in the Isles of Scilly are also aware of the special status of the islands as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with important wildlife and touristic responsibilities.
The work described here seeks to link cultural control methods such as coverage, defoliating and burning over with the life cycle of the pest and record the levels of control achieved.
Of the treatments tested, early defoliation or burning over significantly reduced Large Narcissus Fly attack whereas coverage proved less effective.
Chemical control methods are now very few in number and those that exist have limitations both in terms of efficiency and their environmental and safety aspects.
Narcissus growers in the Isles of Scilly are also aware of the special status of the islands as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with important wildlife and touristic responsibilities.
The work described here seeks to link cultural control methods such as coverage, defoliating and burning over with the life cycle of the pest and record the levels of control achieved.
Of the treatments tested, early defoliation or burning over significantly reduced Large Narcissus Fly attack whereas coverage proved less effective.
Publication
Authors
A. Tompsett
Keywords
Merodon equestris, coverage, defoliation, burning over
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