The Effect of Rapeseed Crop Proximity on the Incidence

of the Pest Epicometis Hirta in Apple Orchards

Mihaela Olaru, Ailin Moloșag, Alexandra Maria Bardoș Marțiș,
Mihaela-Cecilia Dogaru, Maria-Marinela Dragnea,
Damian Dragomir, Vlăduț Loredan Holt

Research and Development Station for Fruit Tree Growing Băneasa

Keywords: population dynamics, agroecosystems, proximity effect, pest-crop interactions.

Abstract: The present study investigates the effect of rapeseed (Brassica napus subsp. napus) crop proximity on the incidence and population dynamics of the pest Epicometis hirta in apple orchards. Observations conducted in the Vlăsia Plain area, specifically at the Moara Domnească Experimental Base of the Research and Development Station for Fruit Growing Băneasa, revealed that flowering rapeseed fields act as strong attractants for adult beetles, influencing their migration into nearby apple orchards. The results demonstrate a clear relationship between rapeseed proximity and increased E. hirta incidence, with flowering fields contributing to higher beetle movement and population levels within adjacent orchards. These findings improve the understanding of ecological interactions within mixed agricultural landscapes and support the development of more sustainable plant protection strategies.