EN
PASAM Agrumi · Our commitment
Life in the lemon grove
Lemon grove atlas
Life takes
many forms.
A small world to discover. Explore some of the species and practices described by PASAM.
Bees and bumblebees
Hives house bees and bumblebees, precious allies in pollination.
Read about the project
Allies of our plants
Biological pest control relies on beneficial insects. PASAM has supplied them to member farms free of charge for over 15 years.
Read about the project
Robins and other visitors
Goldfinches, blackbirds and robins live in the lemon grove. Artificial nests help welcome birds.
Read about the project
A shared habitat
Hedgehogs, rabbits and foxes are part of the wildlife described in our citrus groves. Farming also means respecting their space.
Read about the projectIllustrative nature photographs · credits at the foot of the page
Bees and pollinators
We use natural predatory insects for biological pest control, and we also host dozens of hives containing pollinating insects such as bees and bumblebees, supporting the pollination not only of the citrus grove but also of hedges and other plants on our farms;
Discover moreLadybirds and beneficial insects
Biological control is a natural method used to protect plants by employing living organisms, such as ladybirds and other beneficial insects, to stop pests that damage crops without using chemical poisons. For more than 15 years PASAM Agrumi has supplied beneficial insects to its member farms completely free of charge and has also organized their release in the fields. The insect used most frequently is Aphytis melinus, a parasitoid used against California red scale, a citrus pest that attacks branches, leaves, fruit and bark and can cause severe damage and threaten the life of the tree. After releasing beneficial insects, we also help create suitable refuges for them by establishing green areas, hedges and small shrubs on member farms. These micro-habitats give our tiny allies a place to live. In this way we reduce the impact on fauna, flora and water resources in the surrounding environment while also protecting bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Discover moreRobins, hedgehogs and other visitors
The citrus grove is part of nature and is therefore home to many different animals: goldfinches, blackbirds, robins, hedgehogs, rabbits and foxes. Our role is to farm in complete harmony with nature, using exclusively organic practices and beneficial insects to help eliminate plant diseases. We also use pollinating insects such as bees to support plant reproduction. We provide shelter for hundreds of birds by installing small artificial nests, a concrete action that benefits the environment; swallow populations in Europe are declining sharply because of human activities, as asphalt and concrete make it almost impossible for swallows to find shelter;
Green manuring
Every year, we help improve biodiversity on our member farms through several actions:
We practise green manuring, a natural farming technique in which selected plants are grown, then cut and incorporated into the soil while still fresh, with the aim of improving its fertility, structure and biological vitality; the most commonly used species are field beans, vetch, clover, lupin, oats and rye;
Discover more
PASAM Agrumi · Siracusa