Integrated Pest Management in French Hazelnut Orchards: a Global Approach Based on Recent Studies Focusing on Optimal Pest Management Strategies for the Control of Curculio nucum and Phytoptus avellanae

The French Hazelnut Growers Association (ANPN) prioritizes efforts to reduce damage caused by insects and diseases affecting hazelnut orchards. In recent years, three different pest management approaches have been developed to control pest populations. The suppression of chemical insecticides (endosulfan and carbaryl) has left French hazelnut growers defenseless against Curculio nucum and Phytoptus avellanae. Joint evaluations of new insecticides have been carried out with CTIFL (Technical Center of Fruits and Vegetables) and SRPV (Regional Service of Plant Protection) since 2005. The results of these trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of new active materials which should now be given fast-track approval. Used alone, biological controls were shown to be ineffective in controlling populations of weevil larvae in the soil, with entomopathogenic nematodes and parasitic fungi. However, combining their use with chemical sprays could restrict the pressure of the pest and limit the need for chemical interventions. The study of beneficials present in hazelnut orchards and their responsiveness to chemical treatments should allow pest management calendars to be adjusted with new pesticides which are efficient against pests and less harmful to the environment. At present, pesticides offer the only means to ensure the economically viable production of hazelnuts in France. However, although the new active materials have less impact on the environment and are less harmful to human health, their use has not yet been authorized and growers are therefore unable to take advantage of them. For this reason, we have to continue investigating alternative pest control methods. To bring together resources and know-how in the area, ANPN recommends the establishment of an international working group and is actively seeking contributions from potential scientific and technical partners who are willing to participate in such a project.