%0 Journal Article
%T Impact of Management Approaches on Apple Arthropod Pests in Europe: A Meta-Analytical Review
%A Maria Gonzalez
%A Javier Ruiz
%A Lucia Torres
%J Entomological Research Letters
%@ 3108-639X
%D 2025
%V 5
%N 2
%R 10.51847/tMYTdEfkiO
%P 53-65
%X Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of Europe’s most important fruit crops, yet its orchards are home to over 200 species of plant-feeding arthropods, some of which cause significant economic damage. The combination of pest pressure, consumer preference for pesticide-free fruit, and EU sustainability policies makes effective pest control crucial to achieve the aesthetic quality required in the fresh fruit market. This study aimed to identify the most effective strategies for lowering arthropod pest populations in European apple orchards. We performed a Europe-wide meta-analysis comparing integrated pest management (IPM) and organic practices, with a focus on the role of synthetic versus organic pesticides—a key distinction between these production systems. Our analysis revealed no significant overall difference in pest suppression between IPM and organic approaches. However, synthetic pesticides were clearly more effective than organic alternatives, while organic pesticides still significantly reduced pest numbers compared to no treatment. These results suggest that although synthetic pesticides provide the strongest pest control, additional management measures beyond chemical use play a meaningful role in both IPM and organic apple production systems across Europe.
%U https://esvpub.com/article/impact-of-management-approaches-on-apple-arthropod-pests-in-europe-a-meta-analytical-review-eypnd8h8xiqweil