Petal power: farmers turn to wildflowers to save their crops

Farmers seeking to protect their orchards from one of the most “devastating” pests in nature are cultivating a new weapon: flowers.

- Donna Ferguson

The rosy apple aphid feeds on the sap of apple trees and has the power to decimate crops — but that power can be reduced by planting native wildflowers in apple orchards, attracting teams of helpful insects that prey on the aphids. The practice can save farmers up to £3,000 per hectare per year, according to a