Delottococcus aberiae is a widespread invasive mealybug native to South Africa. It reaches high population levels and causes severe distortion and size reduction in developing fruits. Combining different methodologies, such as precautionary measures, application of plant protection products, an attract-and-kill system with sexual pheromone, physical barriers against ants and the release of predators, may help control mealybug.

One of organic agriculture’s defining traits is its approach towards plant health care, relying mainly on preventive and indirect measures within the agroecosystem. As a last resort, organic farmers can combine these with direct measures, if these are based on the use of natural substances. The principles of organic agriculture seek to prevent the introduction of new and alien substances into ecosystems. So, the use of synthetic pesticides is prohibited. More and more European citizens are concerned over synthetic pesticides use.

Organic farming is not what it claims to be. Organic farmers also spray poisons - and not in short supply. Whether synthetic or natural is irrelevant. This is what the advocates of an industrial model of agriculture are increasingly claiming, thus damaging the reputation of organic farming. Reason enough for a fact check.

Beneficial insects often lack enough food supply and nesting spots in orchards. Most of the measures to enhance biodiversity also require investment for implementation. Alternate mowing is a cheap, easy and fast implementable measure to raise food and nesting supply of natural antagonists. The workload decreases, and therefore it saves time and costs. Alternating mulching preserves the driving lanes and increases the diversity of other indifferent plant and animal species in the orchard.

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is the most important and most frequent pest in organic fruit growing. The larvae of the codling moth damage apples in particular and can cause considerable crop losses.

The confusion technique can be considered as an elementary component of codling moth control. The most important condition for successful control is a low initial population.

Rosy apple aphid can lead to up to 95% yield losses. Damage is caused by growth paralysis of the buds and fruit and high production of honeydew, which can cause sooty mould.

The most effective management methods in organic production are preventive agronomic measures and direct control using products based on Neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts.