In order to support beneficial insects and control pests FiBL developed the idea of integrating flowers into cabbage production. Ten years of research demonstrate that this combination is not just pretty but harbours great potential.

FiBL scientist Henryk Luka wanted to do something to promote beneficial insects. He developed the idea of planting flowers within and around vegetable producers’ fields. “This provides more vital space for insects, including many beneficial insects that help control pest species,” says Henryk Luka. These habitats support a wide spectrum of insects such as wild bees, hover flies and carabid beetles. Ten years and several master’s and doctoral theses later the results obtained by the FiBL team show the following: The establishment of flowering strips for beneficials allows for the use of broad-spectrum bio insecticides such as Spinosad to be halved and replaced by substances that have little to no effect on beneficials. The number of beneficial insects in the cabbage crop increased by 45 per cent while the number of pest larvae declined by one third. An even greater decline of pest larvae, by two thirds, occurred when not only flowering strips were established but, in addition, cornflowers were planted into the rows of cabbage and no Spinosad was applied at all. The latter technique even resulted in an 18 per cent weight increase in the heads of cabbage. The trialled and tested seed mix has been made commercially available under the name of “Nützlinge Kohlanbau” (beneficials for cabbage production). The flowering strips are recognised as ecological focus areas and eligible for direct payments.

HERE you can contact Henryk Luka for further information

Source: FIBL