Capsid bug problems in Danish apple orchards

In Danish apple orchards grown according to the "Integrated Production" guidelines pest problems with capsid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) have occurred in recent years due to limitations in the use of insecticides. An insecticide treatment experiment compared effects of reduced dosages of azinphos-methyl (1/2, 1/5 and 1/10 recomm. dos) with dimethoate and phosalone. Effects on predatory bugs, mires and tortricids were measured as well. It was concluded that there are more beneficial than harmful capsids present in the apple orchards, that dimethoate must be considered as the most efficient compound against the pest species, bur that the use should be restricted to the parts of the orchard suffering from capsid attacks. The treatment should be carried out on petal fall.