Within the EU funded project BIOFRUITNET, three guests, Jutta Kienzle  from Föko and the University of Hohenheim, Lene Sigsgaard  from UCPH and François Warlop from Grab were invited to a podcast to discuss why biodiversity is important for pest control and pollination and how to increase biodiversity in orchards.

00:00 Introduction 
01:15 Why biodiversity is important for pest control and pollination 
08:00 Seminatural habitats in and around a farm 
09:50 Plant species that best support beneficial insects and pollinators 
12:00 Integration of biodiversity measures in the production area 
15:40 Adapted practices: cultivar choices, fertilization practices 
17:20 Spontaneous flora through less mowing and fertilization 
18:10 “Bee directive” in France 
19:55 A “clean” production area is aversive to biodiversity 
21:00 Benefits of a high biodiversity level on farms 
22:00 What you can do to increase biodiversity in the orchards 
24:15 Plants that should be avoided as precaution 
28:40 Trap plants for pests 
29:30 Design of the orchards: benefit of diversification 
35:00 Management of highly diverse farms 
39:30 Consumers and society need to be educated as well 
45:00 Guidelines for farmers to access biodiversity on farms 
47:44 Summary

Further information:

• Booklet of simplified methods for the monitoring of functional biodiversity in organic orchards on orgprints.org
• Technical guide "Perennial flower strips - a tool for improving control in fruit orchards, articel numer 1096, on shop.fibl.org