Parasitism of raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus F.) larvae in different cropping techniques of red raspberry
¹Polli Horticultural Research Centre, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,Estonian University of Life Sciences, Viljandi county, Karksi–Nuia, Polli, 69104, Estonia;e-mail: liina.hanni@emu.ee
²Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences,Kreutzwaldi St. 64, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
Abstract:
Raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus F.) is the major pest in raspberry in Estonia and throughout Europe. The parasitism rate of raspberry beetle larvae was studied in different cropping systems and in wild raspberry. In the raspberry plantation two intercropping systems were used: intercropping with 7 herbs and with black currant. The control variant was monocropping. Larvae from wild raspberries were collected from a clear cut area in the neighbourhood of the plantation. In the monocropping area the larval parasitism rate was less than 5%. The intercropping of raspberries with herbs increased the larval parasitism rate (9.4%), while in the intercropping with black currant, it decreased (2.2%). Larvae from wild raspberry were the most parasitized (26.1%). Further investigation is needed to explain species composition of parasitoids in raspberry beetle larvae.
Key words:
Byturus tomentosus, intercropping, parasitoids