Favor wildflowers to attract beneficial insects

Numerous studies conducted since 1997, which began with an inventory of arthropods (insects, mites, and spiders), have allowed us to identify pests and their natural enemies (predators and parasites) present at Vignoble de l'Orpailleur.

Natural Insect Management

We have identified beneficial insects and are committed to preserving them, as they feed on insects that damage grapevines. Over the years, by prioritizing the strategy of conserving and increasing these beneficial insects, we have achieved a natural balance at the Vineyard. Thanks to this program, we do not apply any insecticides to our grapes.

PEST ARTHROPODS: These are so-called "harmful" insects such as the tarnished plant bug or leafhoppers, as they cause significant damage to the grapevine by attacking, for example, roots, buds, leaves, and/or fruit.

A pest arthropod, the tarnished plant bug on a developing grape cluster.

THEIR NATURAL ENEMIES: These are insects we qualify as "beneficial," such as spiders, predatory mites, and predatory or parasitic insects that naturally feed on pest arthropods.

An arachnid and a robber fly, both beneficial insects.

The Attraction of Beneficial Insects to Flowers

All these studies have allowed us to better understand our biodiversity, which includes the wild flowers present in the Vineyard's environment. They are important feeding sites and essential refuges for beneficial insects, mites, and spiders that ensure the natural suppression of pest insects. These plants also serve as a refuge for them in autumn for overwintering.

Maintaining numerous floral strips around the Vineyard and vine plots allows us to attract beneficial insects, native pollinators, and promote their sustainable development.

One of our wild flower strips near nest boxes that host tree swallows and eastern bluebirds.

Cover Crops Between Vine Rows

Our various cover crops between the vine rows allow us to offer additional floral resources that provide pollen and nectar to beneficial insects.

A Phacelia flower with a bee, a pollinator insect.

The Phacelia we use as a cover crop is very beautiful and also very useful! With its periwinkle blue and long stamens, it is a melliferous plant that attracts not only bees and bumblebees but also hoverflies, which are predators of aphids. Its great strengths, besides its beauty: its ability to cover the soil, eliminate weeds, and resist drought.

Some Beneficial Insects in the Vineyard

A hoverfly from the Eristalis family, which preys on leafhoppers and aphids, among others.

The "beneficial" predatory mite Anystis baccarum feeding on a leafhopper nymph, a grapevine pest.

A ladybug preying on an aphid colony; they are precious allies in our reasoned cultivation.

 

The Fruits of Over 25 Years of Research and Development

The world of wine brings about beautiful encounters, and those with Jacques Lasnier and Charles Vincent have been very fruitful. Over 25 years of partnership and still going strong…

Ag-cord inc