Over 200 professionals from Almeria, Murcia, Granada and Alicante took part in a technical seminar organised by Cajamar Foundation and Coexphal dealing with the latest advances in biological pest control, implemented in Almeria's greenhouses.
During this campaign, the tomato acreage treated with pest insect predators has increased from 50 to 80%; nevertheless, for biological control to remain effective, a continuous effort in research and development is needed, not only for the improvement of the current systems, but also due to the appearance of new pests.
At the seminar, results from research conducted in Alicante and Murcia were presented. Doctor Mª Ángeles Marcos García, from Alicante University, spoke about hoverflies; flies whose larvae are excellent aphid predators and which are not being used yet in South East Spain. She explained the advantages of their use against aphid pests. The results obtained in laboratory experiments and greenhouse tests in Murcia and Almeria demonstrate the high efficiency of these hoverflies.
Biological control in different crops is currently in force in the following percentages: pepper, 100%; tomato, 80%; aubergine, 70%; cucumber, 60% and melon and watermelon, 70%. The process has been optimised for peppers and costs have been considerably reduced, but relevant secondary pests, such as mealybugs, Nezara viridula or Creontiades pallidus, are still appearing.
For tomatoes, only Nesidiocoris is introduced with a very low cost per hectare; however, for cucumbers, thrips control, especially in the winter, is still the main issue, making anti mildew treatments necessary.
Technicians of Agrobío, Koppert, Syngenta, Biobest and Biomip took part; firms which supply auxiliary fauna that provide solutions against pests and illnesses.
Source: Elalmeria
Technicians of Agrobío, Koppert, Syngenta, Biobest and Biomip took part; firms which supply auxiliary fauna that provide solutions against pests and illnesses.
Source: Elalmeria