Summer is peak season for pests in greenhouses

Although the peak season for plant pests in greenhouses varies depending on the type of pest, the plants cultivated, and the climatic conditions within the greenhouses, most pests are more prevalent in spring and summer. Successful pest control is necessary in order not to endanger plants and research projects and is also regulated in the Genetic Engineering Safety Ordinance (GenTSV) from Security level 1 required. Accordingly, a suitable program for the successful control of plant diseases, arthropods, etc., tailored to the experimental plants, must be established (Annex 3 I. b. 3. GenTSV). Furthermore, the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (e.g. pollen) from the greenhouse, as conceivable by pests, must be reduced to the lowest possible level (Annex 3 I. b. 4. GenTSV). Security level 2 In this context, particular attention must be paid to the measures pursuant to Section 7 (2) GenTSV.

The Use of chemical pesticides in greenhouses is due to the health risks for people working in greenhouses and the associated stricter legal and regulatory restrictions increasingly problematic . In addition, many pests develop resistance to the pesticides used over time, which reduces their effectiveness. Due to these problems, greenhouses are increasingly turning to biological pest control In biological pest control, natural enemies of the pests are used. Such helpful beneficial organisms include parasitic wasps (e.g. Aphidius colemani ), lacewings (e.g Chrysoperla carnea ) and ladybirds (e.g. Adalia bipunctata ), which parasitize or feed on a variety of aphids. Predatory mites (e.g. Neoseiulus cucumeris and Hypoaspis miles ) are particularly useful in controlling thrips, fungus gnat larvae, and spider mites. Besides parasitic wasps (e.g. Encarsia formosa and A. colemani ) can also be predatory bugs (e.g. Macrolophus pygmaeus ) can be used against whiteflies. Nematodes (e.g. Steinernema feltiae ) can be added to the substrate and are also effective against fungus gnat larvae. A large number of these beneficial insect species are already commercially available, and both the breeding and shipping conditions of the beneficial insects are constantly being optimized. Helpful information on biological plant protection, including a list of available beneficial insect species and their producers, can be found on the homepage of Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia .