In tomato cultivation, plant health is an issue of significant concern and a growing challenge for businesses. The reduction in the amount of available resources, along with the emergence of new diseases and pests, isn't making things any easier. To better address these challenges in the future, Glastuinbouw Nederland has partnered with the tomato crop cooperative Biobest Nederland, Bioline Agrosciences, and Vertify for the launch of a pilot project. The goal is to test the effectiveness of two organic pest control strategies in unlit tomato cultivation in two separate greenhouse sections.
The pronematus predatory mite (photo: Biobest Group/Ward Stepman).
The project kicked off on week 4 and will run until the end of October, effectively simulating a full tomato growing season. However, it will do so without the use of sulfur. Sulfur, after all, has a detrimental effect on many natural enemies. Instead, an entirely different strategy will be implemented, with the use of predatory mites to control tomato gall mites and powdery mildew.
Will the control of tomato gall mite with the predatory mite species Pronematus ubiquitus be sufficient?
The tomato gall mite is a harmful mite that is hard to keep under control in tomato cultivation. Since sulfur is not being used in this project, the predatory mite species Pronematus ubiquitus from Biobest can be deployed against the tomato gall mite. The goal is to demonstrate that this can work as an alternative to keep the tomato gall mite under control. This predatory mite is not yet widely available. The pilot trial offers an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of Pronematus ubiquitus.
Organic pest control, also against the Turkish moth
The pilot aims to find an effective system for organic pest control against all pests in tomato cultivation, including aphids, greenhouse whitefly, spider mites and the Turkish moth. The Macrolophus pygmaeus is being used in one greenhouse section, while it is absent in another. The Turkish moth will be kept under control here with a slow-release system of Trichogramma's from Bioline.
Different approach to powdery mildew control
Since sulfur is not being used, the control of powdery mildew is also a subject of special attention. The predatory mite Pronematus ubiquitus is known to feed on powdery mildew and can thus keep the fungus in check. If necessary, this can be supplemented with the use of green agents. The variety planted for this project is the Annico Cove, which has high resistance to TOBRFV.
Tomato growers also actively involved in the project
To ensure the project's success, an active guidance committee from the national tomato committee is also involved in the project. They will provide weekly input into the cultivation process. The committee will collaborate with the other participating parties (Biobest, Bioline, Vertify, and Glastuinbouw Nederland).
Funding of this pilot project
The project is being carried out within the framework of the Kas als Ecosysteem (Greenhouse as Ecosystem) pilot program. Half of the funding is provided through the Plant Health program and the Kennis in je Kas (KijK) foundation and the other half by the crop cooperative Tomaat. The other parties involved, Biobest and Bioline, are also making a significant contribution. They are in charge of the deployment of the organic pest controllers, monitoring hours, and reporting. The test is being carried out at Vertify (at the Demokwekerij Zwethlaan location).
Source: Glastuinbouw Nederland
