Video

Interview with Enrique Scholz, Bettina’s father

N&M: Why did you become an organic fruit farmer?
Enrique:  “In the 1970's, I was testing pesticides for several companies. I saw that pesticides created escalation – more poison, more bugs. This is because the pesticides killed everything, including beneficial insects and natural enemies. As we looked for stronger and stronger pesticides, the bugs were winning.  We also discovered that nature adapts to new chemicals. I asked myself "Can this be the right path?" The answer is, of course: no.”

N&M: So what did you do?
Enrique:  I realised  that a worm that is eating my apples can be viewed either as my enemy or my competitor. If he is my enemy, I should kill him. However, if he is my competitor, I should learn to live with him. The question then becomes: how do I control my competitor? Luckily, an answer became available - pheromones. They are an excellent tool for making bugs want to leave the area.
N&M: So the pheromones  took care of everything?
Enrique: “No ... pheromones exist for 120 kinds of insects, but not all of them. I had to think further. I realised that an apple infected by so many insects is like a man who goes to the doctor with several symptoms - back pain, poor sleep, no appetite, headaches - only to be told they all have the same cause, the flu. Likewise, many different problems in a plant often have  a common cause:  the natural balance is missing. Without beneficial insects, balance cannot be maintained. Mites, for example, are very important!

N&M: Can you give us an example?
Enrique: “Ten years ago, I introduced the white wasp from the north of Argentina to the Rio Negro area. It controls aphids. As these wasps are not indigenous, we made sure that there is a natural predator before introducing them. Woodpeckers prey on them and keep the population in check. Do you know how a wasp kills an aphid? By cutting off its head. The wasps build their nests by spitting up saliva, dead aphid bits, and other material. The result looks like a beautiful, feather light concrete. The interior of the nests is even more spectacular - curved layers like an onion.”

N&M: Enrique, you seem enthusiastic about bugs!
Enrique: “Yes, it is my hobby and my passion. People would have a greater respect for nature if they saw how complex and fantastic it is. We must accept that we can never ever control 100%. You must expect some damage and accept that part of your production will be eaten by your competitors. This understanding relieves the stress of the ensuing problems quite well!