Biological control in peach, pear and plum orchard

Abstract

Peach, pear and plum orchards are frequently challenged by a wide range of insect pests that reduce yield and fruit quality, leading to heavy reliance on chemical pesticides. However, increasing concerns over pesticide resistance, environmental pollution, residue accumulation and negative effects on non-target organisms have encouraged the adoption of biological control strategies. This review examines the role of biological control in the sustainable management of key insect pests in peach, pear and plum orchards, with emphasis on the use of natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids and entomopathogenic microorganisms. The effectiveness of conservation, augmentation and classical biological control approaches is discussed, along with their integration into orchard ecosystems. Comparisons with chemical control highlight the ecological and economic advantages of biological methods, including improved biodiversity, reduced chemical inputs and long-term pest regulation. The review also identifies current limitations and future research needs to enhance the practical implementation of biological control in temperate fruit orchards.