As traditional pesticides are gradually being phased out in the European Union due to toxicity concerns, the search for eco-friendly and safe alternatives has become a top priority. Among these, traps with attractants and pheromones have proven to be an effective solution in integrated pest management.
A study conducted in collaboration with agricultural research institutions in Poland, Romania, and Turkey – covering more than 120 cherry and sour cherry orchards using traps with attractants between 2021 and 2023 – led to the following conclusions:
Damage Reduction (60–75%):
10-15 traps with attractants per hectare were installed for Rhagoletis cerasi.
Country-specific results:
- Poland: 72% reduction in damaged fruit
- Romania: 65%
- Turkey: 68%
Advantages Over Pesticides
- Zero toxicity.
- Bees: Monitoring of colonies within a 2 km radius showed 0% mortality, compared to 15-20% in areas treated with pesticides.
- Soil: No chemical residues were detected.
Source: FAO, Wageningen University, EU Reports 2023 – 2024
Tips from Eco Center specialists to maximize the effectiveness of the EC Fruit Trap against cherry and sour cherry pests!
To support the transition to eco-friendly pest control methods, Eco Center has developed a set of essential tools:
- The EC Fruit Trap for Rhagoletis cerasi designed for maximum performance.
- The Farmer’s Calendar, a comprehensive guide to orchard protection.
This strategic tool helps farmers plan interventions throughout the agricultural season. It provides guidance on optimal timing for installing traps, replacing lures in the traps, implementing mating disruption systems, and other key practices for sustainable and efficient crop protection.
Traps with attractants offer an environmentally friendly approach to managing Rhagoletis cerasi, serving as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. However, long-term success depends on farmer education, local adaptation, and continued research and development.