The gradual withdrawal of effective active substances in the European Union forces producers to face greater risks in their activity, such as the resistance developed by pest insects like aphids to authorized phytosanitary solutions.
In conventional integrated production systems, biological control is combined with phytosanitary treatments. However, when climatic conditions are favorable for insect development, it becomes challenging to maintain populations at adequate levels solely with biological control.
The danger of this possible lack of protection against significant agricultural pests in protected agriculture can lead to significant reductions in production and shortages in markets. Weeks ago, restrictions on consumption adopted by supermarket chains due to shortages made headlines.
This loss of yield, combined with the increase in production costs, would asphyxiate the production sector, making it difficult to recover its investment.
Public plant health organizations advocate for the use of auxiliary insects against major pests, with the help of reservoir plants, and maintain that they constitute the most economical option against pest and disease control. They recommend the sowing of reservoir plants inside protective structures, at least one month before crop planting, as they offer an alternative food resource and refuge in adverse periods for beneficial fauna.
The success of biological control also depends on the adoption of certain measures regarding the greenhouse structure. Isolation conditions, such as double doors and suitable anti-insect netting, prevent the entry of pest insects and disease vectors.
Source: https://www.phytoma.com