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Sustainable Biological Control Strategies for Aphid Management in Fruit Orchards: Evaluating Predator–Pathogen Interactions under Field Conditions

Beschreibung

This research project aims to develop and evaluate sustainable biological control strategies for two economically important aphid pests in fruit production: the black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) and the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum).

The study focuses on the effectiveness of the generalist predator Anthocoris nemoralis in regulating aphid populations under field conditions, both independently and in combination with biocontrol treatments such as the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and soft soap applications.

Through controlled field and greenhouse experiments, the project will compare multiple treatment strategies, including control (water), Entomopathogenic fungal application, and soap treatments, with and without the presence of Anthocoris. Aphid population dynamics will be monitored over time to assess the individual and synergistic effects of these treatments.

The project is a pre-trial experiment to the development of environmentally friendly pest management strategies and provides practical research experience to students within a real-world orchard system.

Background / Context: 

The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is a major pest in cherry production, causing severe leaf curling, reduced photosynthesis, and impaired fruit development. Infestations result in smaller fruits and uneven ripening. Moreover, honeydew excretion through aphids promotes sooty mold growth, significantly reducing market quality.

Similarly, the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) is a destructive pest affecting both above-ground and root systems of apple trees. Its feeding leads to gall formation, reduced tree vigor, and contamination through honeydew and sooty mold.

Current pest management relies heavily on chemical pesticides. However, these approaches present several challenges:

  • Development of pesticide resistance 
  • Negative impacts on beneficial insects 
  • Environmental and regulatory concerns 

Biological control offers a promising alternative. Predatory insects such as Anthocoris nemoralis and microbial agents like Beauveria bassiana represent key tools in integrated pest management (IPM). However, their combined effects under field conditions remain insufficiently understood.

Problem Statement:

 

  • Aphid infestations by Myzus cerasi and Eriosoma lanigerum pose a persistent threat to fruit production, leading to economic losses and reduced fruit quality. Conventional chemical control methods are increasingly unsustainable due to resistance development and ecological side effects.
  • There is a critical need to identify effective, environmentally sustainable control strategies that integrate biological agents. Specifically, the interaction between predators (Anthocoris) and microbial control agents (Beauveria bassiana) has not been sufficiently evaluated under practical orchard conditions.

Objectives:


1. To evaluate the effect of Beauveria bassiana and Anthocoris nemoralis against Black Cherry Aphids (Myzus cerasi)

2. To evaluate the effects of Anthocoris nemoralis and Beauveria bassiana against woolly apple aphids (Erisoma lanigerum)  

The project is being carried out at 
Pflanzengesundheit & Pflanzenschutz
Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau Bodensee (KOB)
Schuhmacherhof 6 | 88213 Ravensburg | Deutschland

Email: Kartik.Khera@kob-bavendorf.de

Projektzeitraum
Sommersemester 2026
Bewerbungszeitraum
07. bis 20.04.2026
Durchführung
semesterbegleitend
Details zu Projektzeitraum und Durchführung
  1. Aphids’ infestation: Second week of April 
  2. Pre tour to confirm the infestation: 2nd and 3rd week of April 
  3. Release of Fungus for trial 1: 4th week of April 

Note: A difference of two weeks between the release of fungus and Anthocoris

4. Release of Anthocoris: 2nd week of May 
Monitoring: Weekly Monitoring 4-5 weeks after the beneficial result 

Studienfach
offen für alle Studienfächer
Betreuende
Kartik Khera
Institut
Institut für Tropische Agrarwissenschaften (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institut) (490) (Fg. Sozialer und institutioneller Wandel in der landwirtschaftlichen Entwicklung (490c))
Sprache
englisch
Teilnehmendenanzahl
min. 2, max. 2
Arbeitsaufwand
ca. 180 Stunden pro Teilnehmende:r | 6 ECTS-Punkte

Arbeitsaufwand (Stunden und ggf. ECTS) sind ungefähre Angaben. Die tatsächlich vergebenen ECTS-Punkte ergeben sich aus der tatsächlich geleisteten Arbeit.

 
Für dieses Projekt ist ein Motivationsschreiben des Studierenden erforderlich
Projektart
experimentell
Lernziele

Die Teilnehmende lernen in diesem Projekt:

  • Understand experimental design in field-based plant protection research 
  • Gain hands-on experience in biological pest control strategies 
  • Practice data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation 
  • Develop scientific writing and presentation skills 
  • Experience the full research cycle from hypothesis to dissemination
Anmerkungen für Studierende
  • Fieldwork required (outdoor conditions) 
  • Basic knowledge of biology/agriculture preferred but not mandatory 
  • Active participation in data collection and analysis expected 
  • Final output includes abstract and poster presentation
Schlagworte
Aphids, biological control, Orchard Systems