| Abstract: | Summary Apples were grown in a study using nature farming practices, including organic fertilizer to supply nutrients, microbial inocu-lants for biocontrol of pest insects, and low- or non-pesticides measures. When low- or non-pesticide measures were adopted, the numbers of pest insects increased accordingly; however, the populations of beneficial organisms and natural predators of pest insects also increased. Even though the reduction in pesticide use caused some fruit damage, the enhanced biocontrol of pest insects by increased numbers of natural predator insects more than compensated for the damage. Thus, low- or non-pesticide nature farming practices were cost-effective because they increased biocontrol of pest insects and decreased the amount of pesticide needed and the cost of application. |
