Western flower thrips

can also be damaged, even at low densities, giving rise to deformities such as the “pig-tail” fruit sometimes found in cucumber crops. In many ornamental [...] western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is currently the most damaging thrips species in many greenhouse crops. The western flower thrips ( [...] many vegetable and ornamental crops in greenhouses, and on various weeds. It is an especially significant pest in cucumber, sweet pepper, eggplants, and

Tobacco whitefly

and the excess is excreted as honeydew, with larger larvae expelling large quantities. The damage that whiteflies cause to a crop is the result of sucking [...] causes damage in (sub-)tropical areas especially. The tobacco whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci ) is feared because of its high level of resistance to many in [...] leaves can wilt and fall. Such leaf damage can in turn influence the development of fruit and lead to a reduction in yield. The honeydew deposited on fruit

Tobacco thrips

Thrips parvispinus is a major pest in greenhouse crops due to its ability to multiply rapidly in the warm, humid conditions typically found in these environments [...] Greece in 1998 as a pest on ornamental crops, later appearing in Spain in 2017, France in 2018, the Netherlands in 2019, and Germany by the end of 2021. The [...] reached Florida in 2020 and has since spread to several other states in the US and Canada. Thrips parvispinus is particularly problematic in greenhouse crops

Damping-off

aphanidermatum mostly occurs in young plants and damage is more extensive in young crops. Damage symptoms Pythium affects roots, in particular those of seedlings [...] General Pythium is considered a ‘weak pathogen’, meaning that it can usually only affect plants that are in a sub-optimal condition or suffer from stress [...] through other similarly damaged spots. On the infected plant, new sporangia with zoospores are formed, that allow the disease to spread to neighbouring plants

Beneficial nematodes

bodies, and they come in a variety of sizes, ranging from microscopic to several inches in length. Nematodes play various roles in ecosystems. Some are [...] for detailed information) In case of foliar application, the air relative humidity is another important factor to consider to maximize success (>75%) Ideally [...] What are nematodes? Nematodes, commonly referred to as roundworms, are a diverse group of worms belonging to the phylum Nematoda. Nematodes are characterized

Fly pollination

flower to flower in search of nourishment, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one bloom to another. This accidental pollination contributes to the genetic [...] ensuring that pollen is distributed evenly, leading to improved fertilization and higher crop yields. Benefits of flies Lucilia sericata is a generalist [...] flies show a stable emergence rate in combination with a high rate of activity in the crop. Natupol Fly is packed in a cardboard tube with a plastic lid

Phytoseiulus persimilis

This has the advantage that an outbreak is quickly and effectively dealt with, but the disadvantage is that it disappears rapidly in the absence of suitable [...] persimilis is sensitive to relative humidity below 70%. Phytoseiulus persimilis in bottles The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is available in a bottle [...] are similar to the adults in appearance, but smaller in size. Best conditions for use of Phytoseiulus persimilis Phytoseiulus persimilis is most effective

Vine mealybug

effect is a reduction of photosynthesis and therefore the yield. Flowers and fruit often drop off. Plant sap is rich in sugars, but low in proteins. In order [...] filaments' that project at the posterior end. There is often a darker longitudinal stripe running over the body. Damage symptoms Mealybugs inflict damage on the [...] are golden-yellow in color and are deposited in an cottony egg sac (ovisac) containing from 300-500 eggs. The nymphs are very similar to the adult female

Fusarium wilt

The Fusarium oxysporum life cycle, is similar to that of most Fusarium species. Fusarium overwinters for many years in the soil and on crop residues of infected [...] clean substrate in greenhouse crops Disinfect tools, machinery and irrigation water in greenhouses Prevent stress for the plants Ensure there is adequate soil [...] General Fusarium is a group of soil-borne fungi with many different species. Fusarium is widespread and can infect a range of host crops. Many species

Long-tailed mealybug

effect is a reduction of photosynthesis and therefore the yield. Flowers and fruit often drop off. Plant sap is rich in sugars, but low in proteins. In order [...] photosynthesis in the leaves also reduces flower and fruit production. In ornamental crops, the mere presence of mealybugs is sufficient to render the product [...] auxiliary buds and prefers a warm, humid environment. Damage symptoms Mealybugs inflict damage on the crop in various ways: Nymphs and females extract the sap