The effect of alternative treatment methods on the population evolution of araneae in gooseberry culture

Abstract

This paper presents the effects of alternative treatment methods on the population dynamics of spiders in three gooseberry varieties: Invicta, Captivator, and Hinnonmaki Red. The presence of entomophagous spiders is influenced by factors such as prey availability, plant odor, the phenophase of the host plant, climatic conditions, and the type of treatment applied. The treatments were carried out using infusions of Urtica dioica, Mentha piperita, Thymus serpyllum, and Mentha pulegium. The effects of these treatments on the population of entomophagous spiders were studied and compared. Differences were noted based on both the treatment's influence on prey and the odor of the plants used.