During the very informative webinar (above) presented to HMAA members by Chris and Jenny England from MerryWood Gardens on training espaliers, Chris mentioned that they rely on beneficial insects and IPM (integrated pest management) to reduce pesticide use in the nursery.
He sent through some images of the beneficial insects at work to share (see gallery) and also mentioned that he is now including pots of nectar-rich flowering annuals to provide extra food for the beneficials and extend their lifespans and breeding.
In particular the nursery uses ladybird beetles and larvae, wasps, and green and brown lacewings to control aphids and small caterpillars and also predatory mites (persimilis) to control two-spotted mite on apples. The beneficials are supplied by Bugs for Bugs in Queensland via mail order.
