Is it possible to erase the need for chemical product by using ladybirds ? If yes, in what conditions and on what scale ? Here in Brive, we have attemped to answer this by undertaking a project, an experiment on site. Not just any old site though when you think of the care and attention put into looking after a public rose garden, a symbol of professional cultivation !

How to proceed ?

Ladybird larvae or eggs must be used instead of insecticides. The larvae are much more effective than adults but it is the eggs which are easiest to use.

On any collection of snowball trees, althæa, nasturtium or lupins ladybird larvae will work efficiently in a few days. Slower than most insecticides but more selective and pollution free !

With roses or any plant sensitive to fungi, it will be necessary to use a fungicide along with the ladybirds (use a harmless fungicide for use with ladybirds ).

From May 1st at the rose garden in Brive, there will be 2 borders that will not receive any insecticide. Each one is squared off and each pupil will have his/her own square to look after. The pupils will place the ladybird eggs on the roses delicately with a paint brush and each week they will return to evaluate the progress of the roses and to count the amount of parasites.