High-perennial fringes in organic orchard edges for biodiversity and pest control

High-perennial fringes (HPF) in organic orchards enhance biodiversity by providing food and nesting sites for beneficial insects, supporting natural pest control and pollination. Recommended at 0.5–1.0m wide, HPFs are established along fences, ditches, or underused edges using cut-tolerant, nectar- and pollen-rich plants that flower throughout the growing season, including early-flowering species. Sowing from spring to autumn with surface sowing and rolling ensures seed-to-soil contact; two-weekly rotary mowing passes reduce competition. Annual mowing in late spring preserves overwintering insects. The practice improves visual appeal and may support local tourism. Developed by FÖKO within the BIOFRUITNET project (2022), the tool is available in English (USA) and German (Switzerland), with the origin and issuing organisation based in Germany. Contact: niklas.oeser@esteburg.de. Applicable to crop production, pest and disease control, and weed management. Hosted on Organic Eprints, accessible at https://biofruitnet.eu.