Can we limit insect pressure on pasturing cows thanks to trees?

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Authors: Claire Bonnefous, Alec L. Hochstrasser, N. O. Verhulst, Z. Amsler, O. Christen, Mirjam Holinger, V. Maurer
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Insect pressure on grazing animals is increasing with global warming. Using chemical products to protect grazing animals is not permitted on organic farms. Some trees (e.g. walnuts) have a repellent effect on insects and animals could benefit from these trees in agroforestry systems. In our trial, we assessed insect pressure on 6 herds of cows on pasture with/without trees. We evaluated insect pressure per herd with one H-traps in the meadow and sticky traps in various tree type, observed defensive behaviours of cows and counted flies on the animals.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems Insect-Plant Interactions and Control Pasture and Agricultural Systems

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Eprints (International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems, and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture)
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN