Interest in growing roses in Poland is related to the production of cut flowers as ornamentals and of petals and hips for cosmetics or food products. However, recently there has been an increasing number of reports of pest damage on rose plantations. In the case of fruits the damage has been attributed to flies (Rhagoletis alternata) or moths (Cydia tenebrosana), while nematodes have been implicated for growth reduction even on plantations grown under soil-less conditions. Field trials and laboratory experiments to test the possibility of controlling R. alternata larvae or pupae with entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes resulted in a lack of parasitism. On the other hand, the use of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki or Cydia pomonella granulovirus effectively controlled C. tenebrosana. Meloidogyne incognita infestation of roses growing on rock wool substrate was drastically reduced by Arthrobothrys oligospora or abamectin. Factors such as the method of product application or pest susceptibility to the used microbial-based products accounted for the observed differences in efficacy.
The increased cultivation of highbush blueberry in Poland has been paralleled with enhanced
damage to this crop by different pests and diseases, including soft scales. We have
carried out trials to assess methods for controlling soft scales of the genus Parthenolecanium
in highbush blueberry grown in open fields or under a plastic tunnel, with an approach
based on integrated pest management (IPM) principles. The reduction of Lecanium
scale population using alternative products, with mechanical mechanisms of action, was
similar to that achieved with treatments of different formulations of neonicotinyl-based
pesticides; sometimes they were even more effective on protected crops. Control programs
on plantations with a large population of Lecanium scales based on the application of these
alternative products in spring and at harvest time and chemical compounds in autumn resulted
in a very high efficacy and are considered the most suitable strategies to assure yields
without residues and a reduced impact on the environment.