An Aroniaberry Field in Nebraska
Recently I was asked two questions regarding the growth
process of the Aronia Berry Bush. The first question regarded the insects that
might thrive on the Aronia Berry Bush. This question inevitably led to the next
question which concerned the use of pesticides on the Aronia Berry Bush. I
replied that I am by no means a horticulturalist and instead referred the
inquiries to the local county extension agent before deciding to do a bit of
research on this myself.
The information I found was somewhat enlightening and
intriguing to the science geek dwelling within me. The Aronia Berry is a very
hardy fruit coming from a very hardy bush. It has a minimal amount of predatory
insects that affect crop production if inorganic pesticides aren’t used. In
fact, in some agronomy studies it has been shown that inorganic pesticides can
actually do more harm to the Aronia Berry than the pests that prey on it.
Aphids are probably the largest threat to the Aronia Berry
bush. Aphids are generally an issue throughout the Aronia growing season
stretching from mid-May to mid-September. The aphids feed on the tips of the
plant and can do some damage to the leaves causing them to brown and curl, but
rarely affect overall fruit production. The aphids are generally controlled by
natural predators such as ladybird beetles (ladybugs) and lacewings.
Blister beetles feed on the Aronia Berry flower buds about
one week prior to the Aronia Bush flower blossom in the month of May. The
beetles only remain on the crop for around five days after flowering, but can
reduce Aronia yields by up to five percent. The natural predators of the
blister beetle are robber flies and the meadowlark, a bird very common in the
High Plains area of the United States where the Aronia Bush thrives.
Cherry fruit worms are generally only destructive to Aronia
in their larval form. If adult moth activity is noticed in the Aronia Berry
fields in May, it is recommended to begin using the organic spray called
pyrethrum, which is a derivative of the chrysanthemum. The organic spray
generally has little effect on the fruit and the bushes, but can inhibit
further damage from the fruit worm. The larvae, if left unchecked, can do
widespread damage to the Aronia crop and can reduce yields by a marked
percentage.
The Japanese beetle is perhaps the most destructive of the
insect predators on Aronia yields. The beetle is generally present from the
middle of June to the end of July and can rapidly consume the fruit of the
Aronia Berry Bush leaving little left of the crop if unchecked. Natural
predators of the Japanese beetle include the meadowlark, pheasant, gulls,
geese, ducks and chickens to name a few. The best organic spray known to rid
Aronia fields of Japanese Beetles is cedar oil, which has been shown to
naturally eliminate infestation of Japanese beetles.
The various studies regarding Aronia Berry bushes, pests and
insecticides are a real eye opener. While not many pests feed on the bush or
the fruit, those that do can be controlled by natural predators and organic
insecticides to ensure the integrity and high yield of the fruit. The more
research I do on the Aronia Berry the more impressive this berry becomes.
Truly, this is perhaps one of the most marvelous more self-reliant and low
maintenance berries in the world.
