BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF CERTAIN GREENHOUSE PESTS

Abstract

Greenhouse crops are susceptible to infestation by a high number of insect and mite pests that can cause serious yield losses. The most important of these pests are whiteflies, aphids, leafminers, thrips and spider mites. The use of chemical pesticides causes undesired side effects on non-target beneficial organisms that may lead to pest outbreaks due to pesticide-resistance spreading. Moreover, consumers become aware of the risks of pesticide-residues in fresh vegetables which has triggered a strong demand for non-chemical control methods. Biological control of greenhouse pests has been developed and implemented in many countries worldwide. A reason that necessitates the use of biological control in greenhouse crops is that greenhouse pests are more likely to develop resistance to chemicals when applied over long periods.