Aphids

Biological control of aphids Aphids are among the most harmful pests in greenhouse and field crops, causing plant stress, virus transmission and yield loss. Effective aphid control is essential for ma

Thrips

Thysanoptera Thrips What are thrips? Several species of thrips are a major problem in greenhouse horticulture. The Western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis ) is the most damaging species. Th

Whitefly

Hemiptera Whitefly What are whiteflies? Whiteflies are not true flies , but belong to the order Hemiptera (true bugs ). Together with aphids and scale insects, they belong to the division Sternorrhync

Tobacco aphid

Myzus nicotianae Tobacco aphid General The tobacco aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. nicotianae ) probably evolved from the peach potato aphid in the Far East and is a key pest of tobacco crops in both th

Sciarid flies

Sciaridae Sciarid flies General Sciarid flies constitute the family of Sciaridae. The species that cause most damage to crops belong to the genera Bradysia and Lycoriella . Lycoriella species are main

Two-spotted spider mite

Tetranychus urticae Two-spotted spider mite General Two-spotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae ) is a pest of many crops throughout the world. Despite their small size, they are capable of very rap

Cottony cushion scale

Icerya purchasi Cottony cushion scale General The cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi , is considered to have originated in Australia. It was accidentally introduced to California in about 1868 and

Cyclamen mite

Phytonemus pallidus Cyclamen mite General The cyclamen mite ( Phytonemus pallidus ) is a harmful strawberry pest as well as a common pest found in cyclamen, gerbera and other ornamentals. Mites belong

American serpentine leaf miner

Liriomyza trifolii American serpentine leaf miner General The American serpentine leaf miner ( Liriomyza trifolii ) originates from North America, but occurs also in Europe since about 1976. The Ameri

Oleander scale

Aspidiotus nerii Oleander scale General Aspidiotus nerii , the oleander scale or white scale belongs to the Coccoidea and has an almost worldwide distribution. Host plants include olive, apple, mango,