Background

Flower visiting insects such as honeybees, wild bees, flies, wasps, butterflies and beetles have a central function in the ecosystem as pollinators. Cross-pollination by insects is essential for 80% of domestic flowering plants and 84% of European crops. In recent years, an increased decline in the number of bees and other insects has been observed. In fruit growing, these insects are not only of ecological but also of great economic importance as they ensure pollination.

Implementation

The focus in the first project period was on the establishment of six model fruit plantations, in which measures are taken to increase or maintain biodiversity. Measures such as the planting of flowering strips and flowering tramlines, but also the planting of anchor plants and the reduction of pesticides through the use of appropriate spraying/treatment technology play an important role.

In the current, second project period, the focus is on the technical monitoring of the model areas in order to optimize the measures and, at the same time, to pass on the knowledge and experience to fruit-growing and nature conservation-related groups. For this purpose, a target group-oriented communication concept was developed. The elaboration of the training and information documents and the implementation of the educational concept aim at increasing the knowledge about the enhancement of biodiversity in table fruit orchards in fruit-growing and nature conservation-related groups.

Contact

Contact person: Patrick Trötschler

E-mail: patrick.troetschler@bodensee-stiftung.org

Phone: +49 (0) 7732 9995 41

Project Funding

• Ministerium für Ernährung, ländlichen Raum und Verbraucherschutz Baden-Württemberg

Further Information