With the completion of the sixth monitoring round, the first year of observations on the biodiversity strips has come to an end. Most of the fields are now finishing their flowering phase. Kyra Vervoorn from Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw looked back on the results so far for Glastuinbouw Nederland and shared what can be expected in the coming season.
Field composition
"This year, we saw a wide variety of native wildflowers emerging in the biodiversity strips," Kyra explained. "Species like chamomile, yarrow, wild carrot, bird's-foot trefoil, cranesbill, yellow rattle, and wild mignonette appeared at many sites. These plants didn't just create colorful, flowering strips—they also attracted noticeably more insect activity."
Looking ahead to the second monitoring year, researchers expect many of the biennial species to take the spotlight. "Teasel, viper's bugloss, and parsnip are ready to bloom, and we expect to see strips filled with blue, purple, and yellow flowers," Kyra added.
Early insights
Insect observations were equally encouraging. "This season, we recorded high numbers of Orius (minute pirate bugs) and ladybirds," said Kyra. "It will be interesting to see whether these beneficial species return in similar numbers next year, and how the overall insect community develops over time."
Next steps
Although this year's field monitoring has been completed, the research continues. In the coming months, the focus will be on analyzing data to better understand how insect communities are developing and what factors influence them, mapping out any risks related to virus transmission, and further developing strategies to strengthen biodiversity inside the greenhouse as well.
The second and final monitoring year will begin in April 2026.
About the project
In this project, researchers are testing two specially designed flower seed mixes containing annual, biennial, and perennial species. The goal is to boost biodiversity and attract natural enemies of common greenhouse pests. At the same time, the team is studying how these biodiversity strips influence the arrival of harmful pests from outside. The challenge is to strike the right balance—attracting as many beneficial insects as possible without increasing pest pressure.
This collaborative project brings together Glastuinbouw Nederland, Wageningen University & Research, and Leiden University. Funding comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN), Kennis in je Kas (KijK, through the innovation program Het Nieuwe Doen in Plantgezondheid), the Hagelunie Innovation Fund, the province of South Holland (via Greenport West-Holland), the municipality of Westland, the Glastuinbouw Pact Bommelerwaard & Tielerwaard, and the Delfland Water Board. Additional in-kind contributions are provided by Biobest, ECW Energy, and the Federation of Vegetable Growers' Organisations.
Through this broad collaboration, growers and researchers are working hand in hand toward a more sustainable and resilient greenhouse production system.
Source: Glastuinbouw Nederland
