1. What is Integrated Production and what is its goal?

2. Technically schooled, environmentally conscious producers

3. Ecological measures

As many of the items chosen from this list should be realized in each year of cultivation. The points effected are listed on pages 22 - 23 of the orchardist's register.

Choice of cultivar and planting system:

• A new orchard with a fungus-resistant cultivar is planted.
• Single row planting is chosen at the time of planting. This system of planting guarantees good light for the fruit during the entire growing season. Single rows require less use of plant protection products (especially reduce herbicides) than multiple row systems and allow alternatives to chemical strip treatments.

• Soil analyses are made and fertilizer is applied according to recommendations in each requirement class (soil analysis must be enclosed). The qualification of the laboratory must be attested for through accreditation or ring tests. Soil analysis is the most important basis for specific fertilization according to need: overfertilization leads in orchardry not only to smaller crops, but also to reduction of fruit quality and to increase of susceptibility to tree and fruit diseases.
• Nitrogen fertilization is effected after N-min tests (analysis must be enclosed). The N-min test determines the existing share of mineral nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) in the soil. On the basis of humus content and soil type, the nitrogen replacement value of the tree row is estimated and finally, using these two values, the nitrogen fertilization is calculated.
• Early leaf analysis is effected in the orchard. Early leaf analysis made at the time the main growth period is ending gives a good picture of the nutritional condition of the tree. Imbalances in the tree's nutrition can be temporarily stabilized using leaf fertilization. Long-term fertilization must be made through the soil.
• The tree strip is kept green the whole season and/or is kept free of grass using alternative methods without herbicides. As far as the tree growth and the natural nitrogen delivery allow, the lanes and tree strips should be kept green all year. This leads to bonding of nitrogen, which is useful especially in orchards with vigorous growth.
• The lanes are mulched alternately. If every other lane is mulched and at the same time the nitrogen dosage is reduced, the ground cover develops a larger variety of foliage and grasses. Blooming ground cover is an important source of nutrition for many beneficial insects (chalcid wasps , hoverflies, etc.)

• The sprayer is checked and adjusted on one of the 3 test stands (include documentation, validity 5 years) Regular examination of the sprayers should be general practice. Sprayers are subject to high wear and tear. An examination every five years is therefore sensible. Even new and re-equipped spraying equipment should be adjusted to suit the individual orchards. Irregular application of spray results in low effectiveness and greater damage to the environment.

• Mating disruption against codling moth and oriental fruit moth.
• Ground nets in orchards subject to May bug infestation.
• Beauveria fungus in orchards infested by May bug larvae.
• Juice traps to fight clear wing borers. Only young clear wing moth larvae can be satisfactorily controlled using insecticides. Besides that, this method of control is technically impossible and ineffectual for older trees. A large part of the moths can be caught using juice traps (see the “Introduction” from the advisory board). Titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers also help to decimate these pests.
• Nesting boxes are set up in the orchard to attract titmice. These and other insect-eating birds collect many larvae during the nesting period and in this way help to reduce the population of pests.
• Hiding places for weasels, hedgehogs, shrews or grass snakes are created in the orchard (rock piles, pipes, stick piles).
• Predatory mites are introduced into the orchard.
• Growth affected by mildew or aphids is cut off in spring.

• Pheromone traps are placed and the moth catches are regularly registered (documentation must be included). Pheromone traps offer the possibility of observing the flight course of important pests (i.e. apple codling moth, oriental fruit moth, tortrix moth). Correct interpretation of all data (peak and length of flight, weather, laying of eggs) can help in making a decision. With the help of pheromone traps, a negative prognosis is possible. Note: As different traps have varying ability to catch insects, the orchardist should turn to an expert in case of difficulty in interpretation.

14. Integrated crop protection

The entire cultivation program should be aimed at maintaining the trees' natural resistance against diseases and pests so that no additional spraying is necessary. Trees with too vigorous growth, for example, are especially susceptible to scab, mildew, aphids, mites, and codling moths.

Integrated crop protection means further protecting and promoting natural enemies of pests.
In the interest of natural protection of species and to promote the settlement and reproduction of beneficial animals in the orchards, we recommend the following measures:

• At the edges of the orchards, hedges and bushes should be left as shelter and breeding places for many species.
• Dry walls are welcome shelter for weasels, hedgehogs, shrews, various snakes and other beneficial animals. The same is true for rock piles, wood piles, and similar hiding places.
• To attract birds of prey (buzzards, falcons, owls, etc.), perches should be installed in the orchards above the trees. Birds of prey keep the orchard clean of mice.
• Insectivorous birds (titmice, wrynecks, tree sparrows, redstarts, hoopoes, etc.) collect many larvae (winter moths, clouded drab moths, clear wing borers, and tortrix moths), especially during nesting. We recommend hanging nesting boxes (entry hole 32, 45 or 55 mm) in the orchard.
• Predatory mites , if properly protected, keep spider mites under control in the orchard with the help of spider beetles and minute pirate bugs. If there are not enough predatory mites in the orchard, these should be carried in on bundles of branches from other orchards.
• Pots or boxes filled with straw or wood-wool can be hung up in the orchard as winter quarters for lacewings (Chrysoperla).

In integrated production, alternative (non-chemical) products and measures are to be given preference. Examples of these are:

• Mildew-affected shoots should be cut off in spring! In this way, the focus of the disease is removed from the tree's crown and the chance of success is improved.
• Mating disruption should be used where codling moths and/or oriental fruit moths are present. At low infestation rates, reduction of the population is achieved, and prevents the problems that an increase in the population involves. This biotechnical method makes it possible to avoid or reduce spray applications thus avoiding or at least delaying resistance.
• Alcohol traps (8 per ha) are the most effective methods of fighting the European shot-hole borer (Anisandrus).
• Mass reproduction and release of beneficial insects (San José parasitic wasps, woolly apple aphids, Trichogramma, parasitic mites, etc.), is more effective over a long period of time than chemical controls.

Resistance of harmful organisms can make plant protection very difficult and lead to serious problems in regulating harmful populations. All possible precautions should be taken to prevent eventual building up of resistance. The goal of integrated production is to use all non-chemical possibilities and to include or integrate them. IP is through consequential adhesion to its principles suited from the very start to prevent and/or delay resistance of harmful organisms.
The most important principles of a program aimed at resistance management are briefly described below:

• Reduction of insecticide use: Each action that can be avoided delays resistance. If a treatment becomes necessary, the active ingredients should be chosen and used with care. This requires a good knowledge of biology and of the occurrence of the harmful organism. The choice of the correct product and time of use, the right dosage and well-aimed application lead to optimal results and usually avoid the necessity of follow-up treatments. Insecticide application should be limited to the area of infestation.
• Avoidance of a permanent spray layer: Effective layers of spray should remain on the tree and in the environment only as long as absolutely necessary. Even short-lived active ingredients which are used repeatedly within short intervals result in a permanent spray coating. Long-lived, persistent active ingredients should be used sparingly and suited to the period of damage.
• Use of alternatives: This is a basic requirement of integrated plant protection. Included in these methods are for example pheromone traps, Bacillus thuringiensis, June bug nets, natural enemies (predatory mites) etc.
• Protection and promotion of beneficial organisms: Beneficial organisms occupy an important place in resistance management. Their regulatory effect on harmful organisms helps to avoid treatment. Independent from degree and mechanism of resistance of the pests, beneficial organisms destroy them and counteract the selection of a resistant population.
• Substitution of active ingredients: A well-considered change of active ingredients used can delay development of resistance over a long-term period. Decisive is, however, that the actual method of effect, that is, the killing mechanism, is changed. The active ingredients used should therefore belong to different groups (i.e. chitin synthesis inhibitors, phosphorous ester, carbamate, etc.). As far as possible, the program offers choices.

• Anilino-pyrimidine (Scala, Chorus, Vision): max. 4 applications/year
• Strobilurine (Stroby WG, Flint): max. 3 applications/year
• Sterol biosynthesis inhibitor: max. 4 applications against scab/year
• Chitin synthesis inhibitor: max. 2 applications/year
• Fenoxycarb (Insegar): 1 application with a max. of 40mg/hl or 2 applications with a half dosage/year
• Imidacloprid (Confidor): max. 1 application/year
• Acaricides: max. 1 application for products from the same group

Well-considered and consequential resistance management is in accordance with integrated production and is the prerequisite for its long-term success.

d) Choice of products

The goal of integrated plant protection is to guarantee the economical success of the orchard using as little and as environmentally-friendly plant protection products as possible.
Chemical products should be used in integrated plant protection only when the threshold of tolerance is exceeded. This can be determined through exact counting. Before using insecticides and acaricides, the orchardist must record the infestation of:

• codling moths (in July and fall),
• tortrix moths (post-blossom, 1st and 2nd summer generation),
• spider mites and predatory mites/leaf

Out of the list of legally allowed plant protection products, those which:

• do not endanger the user or the personnel working in the orchard,
• reduce the pest population under the threshold of tolerance, yet protect beneficial organisms and other animals,
• do not unnecessarily pollute the environment (soil, water, air), and
• leave few residues on fruit and in the environment

Products harmful to predatory mites should also be avoided. A maximum of 4 applications with dithiocarbamates per year is allowed. Further, the intervals between spraying with these products must be kept longer, and they must be used alternately with other fungicides.

Where spraying against spider mites is necessary, the biological balance between this pest and its natural enemies is disturbed. In this case, the use of dithiocarbamates and other products harmful to beneficial insects (i.e. Kilval, Zolone (phosphorous ester) and Carbaryl) must be limited, above all in order to guarantee the protection and promotion of predatory mites and other enemies of spider mites (spider beetles, minute pirate bugs, etc.).
In orchards where selected pesticides are used, beneficial insects can live and thrive. Above all the inconspicuous species (i.e. chalcid wasps) often escape our attention.

In the appendix to these guidelines, the active ingredients are listed which are allowed in integrated production. Crop protection active ingredients which are not listed here are not allowed in the program. In the course of the year, it is possible that other active ingredients are added to the list when needed through a resolution passed by the AGRIOS.

e) Plant protection product use per ha and year

The amount of plant protection products used in an orchard per ha and year is determined by 3 factors:

• Dosage: In principle, the lowest possible dosage needed to push the pest population under the threshold for tolerance should be used when applying products. The dosages in the guidelines given out by the advisory board as well as the dosages in this appendix must not be exceeded. The full dosage recommended on most insecticide and acaricide packaging is seldom necessary. 100-percent extermination of a pest is not in accordance with integrated plant protection. It is relatively expensive, promotes the development of resistant species and damages the environment more than is necessary.
• The amount of spray per ha depends on planting system, tree height and spray concentration. Using normal concentrations, it should not exceed 500 liters/ha/meter of tree height in a single row system. When using a fine spray system with high concentration, the spray amount should be reduced accordingly.
• The number of applications per year must be justified by the pest population (threshold of tolerance), the weather conditions (for example with scab)as well as by the estimated crop loss (economical threshold of damage). Tips as to thresholds for intervention concerning various pests are given in the guideline brochure „Leitfaden zum integrierten Pflanzenschutz" of the South Tyrolean Advisory Service for fruit and wine growing.

Before the first use of a new sprayer, its spray plume should be calibrated to suit the orchard (planting system, tree height). Environmentally safe spraying methods are indispensable for integrated cultivation.
The amount of plant protection product in kg per hectare and year as well as the spray drift towards soil, water and air must be reduced in the near future. Sprayers with transverse flow sprayers and those with methods of collecting drifting spray and recycling it (tunnel sprayers) cause the least amount of spray drift into the environment.
To prevent unnecessary spray drift onto the ground and into the air, all jets of the sprayer must aim directly at the leaves of the trees. Jets which spray under or above the leaves must in any case be shut down before spraying.
Spraying equipment must be kept in good condition and annually serviced and calibrated to insure exact application of the desired quantity of spraying solution. The maintenance work performed on the spraying equipment (adjustments, repairs, replacement of parts) must be recorded in the appropriate maintenance plan added to the orchard register.

From 1997 on, all orchardists are required to have their sprayers checked at one of the test stands (Latsch, Lana, Kaltern) at least every 5 years. As of 2002, plant protection measures in integrated protection can only be effected with sprayers which have been controlled in the last five years.

g) Proper storage, application and elimination of plant protection products

The recommendations for dealing with plant protection products from the Bureau of Agriculture should always be followed.
As a matter of principle, only small amounts of plant protection substances should be kept on hand. Substances must be kept in the original packaging in cool, frost-free, well-aired and well-lit rooms which are safe in case of inadvertent spills. Shelving must be made of non-absorbent material; solid substances must be kept on shelves higher than the fluid substances. The rooms or lockers where plant protection substances are stored must be locked and labelled with the appropriate warning signs. Access must be limited to those persons possessing the necessary training in the use of plant protection substances.
Before the plant protection season starts, a list must be made of the plant protection substances on hand and added to the orchard register.

During the preparation and application of the spray, appropriate protective clothing must be worn, consisting of a waterproof suit, gloves, a mask, boots and protective glasses.

If the spray solution has been correctly calculated and the sprayer correctly calibrated, there should be no solution left over. In the case that some solution remains, it must be thinned with the rinse water and sprayed in the previously sprayed orchard.
The orchardist is required to dispose of empty spray packaging according to the Law Decree of 5th February 1997, Nr. 22 and according to the existing provincial measures.
Plastic bags for the disposal of plant protection products and packaging can be obtained from any product dealer. The full sacks can be deposited at local recycling areas or at periodical collections of hazardous waste.

h) Pre-harvest intervals

The security intervals between the last spray application and harvest required in integrated production are listed in the appendix.
Especially in summer, plant protection products with relatively short waiting periods are preferred. Repeated use of identical active ingredients should be avoided.