A new pilot project 'systematic approach pest control for sustainable and healthy peppers' has started in Holland. The project is implemented in close association with a consultant of Koppert Biological Systems, Arno Moerman.
Crop protection in the Netherlands continues to become more sustainable. In the development of integrated crop protection, also known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), great strides have been made, with a strong role for prevention, non-chemical measures and biological control agents. The pilot in peppers takes place at grower Danny van der Spek and is aimed at addressing the aphid. This aphid really proves difficult to fight within the far implemented IPM system.
At the moment, the crop is doing well. For the monitoring of pests, trap catches have been hung. In addition, crop observations take place weekly. Until now no lice has been found. As preventive measure, gall midges have been distributed (1 tube per hectare). Once lice are found, additionally wasps will be released, according to plan. If the amount of lice is unacceptably high, corrective measures will be taken. In addition to the standard correction treatment as it is applied in practice, two other applications are being tested. This concerns patch application, and the application of a new agent.
Regarding the other pests, the predatory mite Amblyseius Montdorensis and the predatory bug Orius are used to fight thrips. The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus is used against spider mites and in case of a spider mite infestation the predatory mite P.persimilis is used as well.
Source: LTO Glaskracht Nederland