Melon and watermelon plantations in Almeria's greenhouses are registering acceptable levels of pest vectors, especially white flies (Bemisia tabaci), which consequently results in no plants being affected by the New Delhi virus, according to data provided by Andalusia's Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development.
Regarding melons, western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is present in just 1% of the plants, and white flies (Bemisia tabaci), well under control by its predator Amblyseius swirskii, have reached the same percentage.
The lack of white flies, vector for several different viruses, along with the protection measures enforced by growers, has driven the number of plants affected by the New Delhi, Yellow Vein viruses and other illnesses to a minimum.
The case is very similar with watermelon plantations, where white flies have been found in just 4.8% of the plants. The white fly predator, Amblyseius swirskii, is already present in 24.3% of the watermelon plants.
Source: hortoinfo.es