Glastuinbouw Nederland and Wageningen University are working together to monitor populations of the green peach aphid (aphid, Latin name Myzus persicae) in Dutch pepper greenhouses in the coming years. An agreement has been made to build up a so-called 'fossil record' for the period of two years (2023 and 2024).
This means that samples of aphids taken from about 20 pepper greenhouses across the Netherlands will be stored. Both spring and autumn samples will be requested. These may be collected by the grower themselves and sent to Wageningen University (genetics department).
Dominant
The reason that Glastuinbouw Nederland and Wageningen University are doing this is because last year, it turned out that a certain genotype of Myzus persicae aphid has become very dominant in a short period of time. Researchers would like to follow the population development of this genotype and other genotypes. By ensuring that material is available from this year and next year, it may be possible to act more quickly if specific aphid control problems arise.
Glastuinbouw Nederland needs aphid samples, spread across Dutch pepper greenhouses. Growers will receive a clear description of the sampling procedure with the sample envelope. Growers who want to cooperate in this can let Joke Vreugdenhil, network coordinator Glastuinbouw Nederland, know.
Source: Glastuinbouw Nederland