Practical organic control strategy for berry sawfly in the berry culture (Pak Ribessii)
The gooseberry sawfly (Nematus ribesii) is a persistent pest in organic small fruit production and can completely defoliate bushes (currant, gooseberry, jostaberry) in a short period of time. In this project, an integrated management strategy was evaluated in which intensive monitoring with yellow sticky traps was compared with pheromone traps. Field trials conducted in 2024–2025 at locations in Belgium showed that yellow sticky traps allow early detection of adult flight. The species-specific pheromone used proved to be highly selective and resulted in high catch numbers at several sites. Monitoring also revealed the presence of the small gooseberry sawfly (Pristiphora appendiculata), which is also attracted to both yellow sticky traps and the pheromone trap. These techniques demonstrate that combining early warning through yellow sticky traps with pheromone traps provides a more complete picture of gooseberry sawfly activity, both for early detection and for seasonal population monitoring. Yellow sticky traps should be installed in a time (early March). The pheromone lure shows the highest catch peaks between early April and late June and must be present in the field during this period. Considerable variation may occur between cultivars and planting distances; therefore, traps should be placed specifically in cultivars with known historical pressure. A minimum spacing of 10 m is recommended, and in case of high pressure, even shorter distances may be required. At high pest pressure, biological control is still possible using biological products (instead of Tracer) against young caterpillars.
Eva Bangels
eva.bangels@pcfruit.be
CCBT-project
Agentschap Landbouw & Zeevisserij
Proeftuin aardbei en houtig kleinfruit van het pcfruit vzw, ST@F, Zoölogie, Universiteit van Greenwich en de biovakgroep kleinfruit