Here we talk about some rather special friends.
Since 2000 our farm has adopted the organic method; in organic production the enemies of the vine are aphids (insects that suck the sap of the vine and can transmit viruses), the larvae of moths (caterpillars) and moulds (powdery and downy mildew). We combat moulds using copper and sulphur; for aphids and moth larvae we instead rely on our natural FRIENDS – here they are:
THE GREAT FRIENDS
Picture of a bat, a great predator of nocturnal insects including moths and other grapevine parasites.
Picture of a hoverfly; similar to a bee, its larvae eat large quantities of aphids and as adults they are excellent pollinators.
Picture of a lacewing; their larvae are known as “aphid lions”.
Photo of ladybugs, natural predators of aphids.
OTHER FRIENDS
Picture of a swallow, a great predator of insects, particularly mosquitoes; at the bio-pond its swoops are quite a spectacle.
Picture of a hedgehog, a very useful animal because it feeds on larvae – particularly slugs and snails that damage shoots and leaves – and helps to keep biodiversity stable.
Picture of a bee; the bee is one of the most useful insects for humans, agriculture and ecosystems. The bee is the main pollinator of plants.
The Gambusia is a small freshwater fish best known for its use in the biological control of mosquitoes; it voraciously eats mosquito larvae and helps us keep the presence of mosquitoes in our biopond under control.
SOMETIMES THEY MAKE US A BIT ANGRY BUT THEY ARE STILL FRIENDS.
Picture of a hare; very present and sometimes it nibbles our plants and shoots.
Picture of a porcupine; it feeds on roots, tubers or crops and occasionally visits our vegetable garden.