Biodiversiteit rondom de kas en de effecten op plagen en natuurlijke vijanden : resultaten van 3 jaar monitoring in de Bommelerwaard en het Oostland

Conservation of biodiversity is of great importance to agriculture and horticulture for crop pollination and pest control. However, to what extent the environment adjacent to greenhouses affects pest management in greenhouses is hardly known. This report presents the results of 2-3 years of monitoring in flower fields, trees and shrubs planted next to greenhouses in “de Bommelerwaard” and “het Oostland”. The results show that the number of natural enemies around greenhouses goes up significantly compared to standard fields with short mown grass. The shrubs, trees and flower fields provided natural enemies with alternative prey, pollen, nectar and shelter, allowing populations of natural enemies to establish and develop. However, flower fields were also found to result in increased densities of thrips. With further research, biodiversity fields near greenhouses can be optimized for maximum contribution to pest control and lowest risk of pest and disease transmission.