Broad-spectrum, persistent insecticides do great harm to many natural enemies, either eliminating them or reducing populations so severely that they have little affect.
- However, there is a considerable range of more selective insecticides.
- Most fungicides and plant growth regulators are comparatively harmless to predators and parasites though there are some important exceptions.
- The effects of pesticide groups on natural enemies are summarised in the table below.
- When choosing a pesticide for control of a pest or disease, the least harmful to natural enemies should be selected.
- It is particularly important to avoid using products which are harmful to key natural enemies.
Insecticides, acaricides and fungicides which are applied as foliar sprays to apples and/or pears and known or possible effects on important groups of natural enemies Download