CIC - Controlled Integrated Cultivation

We use Controlled Integrated Cultivation in our apple garden. I.e., our tending strategies include beneficial organisms, e.g. insects. These prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of pests without using artificial substances.

However, to raise a population of beneficial organisms a number of 'pests' are required. These are accepted by us up to a certain harm level. Not before this level the farmer has to take corrective action in order to avoid an ecological imbalance. There are many different kinds of beneficial organisms. E.g., lady beetles, flower bugs, and green lacewings, which basically nourish on aphids (plant lice). Predatory mites feed largely on other mites such as red spider mites, which impair fruit trees.

However, birds help as well as insects. Tits can eat a huge number of codling moth, whose caterpillar is known as the classical "apple worm". Woodpeckers rescue our trees from wood destroying beetles and worms.

All these strategies are regularly controlled by the AMA, a national inspection authority.

It's the job of the apple grower not to set too many measures. Beneficial organisms can best be cultivated if you just let natural processes happen and do not disrupt the natural balance.