Open Access

Vera Vollmann

• Orchard meadows are culturally evolved structures and relevant habitats for biodiversity. Due to abandonment and climate change, these structures are in danger, as pests are also increasing on the land and putting the harvest and thus the benefit of the structures at risk. (Henle et al., 2024) This study investigates the influence of habitat structures on the occurrence and severity of pest infestations in traditional orchard meadows, particularly in the context of climate change and is embedded in the project StreuWiKlim (“Streuobstwiesen im Klimawandel”), conducted by Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). First, beneficial arthropods and their habitat requirements were identified through an extensive literature review. Field surveys were then carried out in three different climate regions of Bavaria to map relevant habitat structures. These structural parameters – grouped into categories such as deadwood, forest edges, treebased microhabitats, meadow care, tall herbaceous vegetation, and wooded areas – were statistically analysed in relation to pest infestations and weather data from 2024. Significant correlations between individual habitat structures and pest pressure confirm the regulatory effect of habitats that are favourable to beneficial species. For all study regions, the main parameter categories of deadwood, structure on fruit trees, tall herbaceous vegetation, meadow care, forest edge and wooded areas are relevant for influencing pest infestation. Climate projections suggest shifts in pest dynamics, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management. As a conclusion, this study proposes nature-based habitat management strategies – such as deadwood management, meadow care adjustments, or enhancing tall herbaceous vegetation structures – to strengthen beneficial organisms and support resilient, ecologically balanced orchard systems under future climate conditions.