Since the emergence of Nesidiocoris tenuis in Dutch greenhouses, more and more tomato growers have found this predatory bug to be a challenging pest. While it is utilized in Southern Europe to combat whitefly and Tuta absoluta, in the Netherlands, it has had a far more harmful effect. Think of necrotic spots and flower drop, and you will see the danger posed by Nesidiocoris tenuis.
Damage in the crop caused by the predatory bug Nesidiocoris tenuis
New tool: PheroNesi pheromone
To detect and monitor this pest early, HortiPro has developed the pheromone PheroNesi™. This technique is specifically tailored to attract Nesidiocoris and has proven to be an effective tool in practice.
Results from practice
Tests conducted at various companies have shown that PheroNesi enhances the ability to catch these bugs. Yellow sticky traps using the pheromone captured up to 160% more Nesidiocoris compared to traps without it, while there was a noticeable decrease in the accidental capture of Macrolophus, with an average reduction of 37%, making monitoring more focused and dependable than before.
In Southern Europe, where pest pressure is often higher, growers have also been positive about PheroNesi, showcasing the system's potential on an international scale.
Application advice PheroNesi for maximum effect
- Duration: In summer 6 weeks, in winter 8 weeks. Then replace the PheroNesi dispenser.
- Plates: Use yellow sticky traps (14 mm hole) with dry glue.
- Contamination: Replace sticky traps when they become too dirty.
- Hanging: Place the dispensers as soon as possible after delivery. If this is not possible immediately, store them cool.
- Placement: Hang the plates with the PheroNesi dispenser at a maximum of 30 cm above the crop top. Attach them to rollertraps with staples or to greenhouse posts with magnet hooks.
Application of PheroNesi pheromone on a yellow HortiPro sticky trap
Recommended number of sticky traps
Detection
1 sticky trap per 1,000 m²
10 sticky traps per hectare
Monitoring (tracking population development)
2 sticky traps per 1,000m²
20 sticky traps per hectare
Intensive monitoring
> 10 sticky traps per 1,000 m²
> 100 sticky traps per hectare
Catch of Nesidiocoris tenuis on a sticky trap with the PheroNesi pheromone.
It is optional to hang sticky traps without pheromones next to the regular traps. If there is a noticeable increase in catches on the PheroNesi traps, it confirms the system's effectiveness.
For more information:
HortiPro
[email protected]
www.hortipro.com/producten/pheronesi/