Duurzame luizenbeheersing in biologische glasteelten (BO-20-014-002)

Aphids are among the most destructive pest species in organic greenhouse vegetable crops. Sweet pepper in particular is extremely vulnerable and often attacked by several species of aphids. Augmentation biological control with natural enemies is common practice, but current control
strategies are often not effective and extremely expensive. Most conventional sweet pepper growers control aphids with systemic insecticides. However, the use of these pesticides is under discussion because of increasing demands for
residue-free product and a zero tolerance for emission to surface waters. Hence, there is a strong need to develop effective non-chemical measures for controlling
aphids in sweet pepper crops. This study aims to develop new control strategies based on a) new generalist mirid predatory bugs, b) using parasitoids while minimizing risks on hyperparasitism and c) new methods to use entomopathogens.