Want effective pest control in tomato? Start with effective monitoring

"Whitefly is the number one problem in glasshouse tomato production in Western Europe”, says Sam Gui, IPM and Pollination Specialist at Biobest. “Whitefly populations should therefore be accurately monitored from the very start of the crop cycle using traps. BugScan® yellow sticky traps in the tomato crops offer the perfect solution to support effective monitoring.”

Sam advises to make sure there are Bug-scan® yellow sticky traps in those areas where the first whiteflies tend to be seen, for example in the vicinity of warm corners or doors. Sticky traps contain glue but are entirely free of toxic chemicals. In addition to monitoring whiteflies, they also allow to detect a number of other pests.

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is another serious enemy. This moth is a permanent threat in tomato crops and can be monitored and caught using the Tutasan watertrap. Biobest recommends this trap in combination with pheromone dispensers to lure the insects. Sam points out that the Tutasan trap mainly attracts the males. He recommends growers to combine the use of the trap with black sticky traps. “These traps will catch both males and females”, says Sam. “The black sticky traps are most effective if placed horizontally on a white background. This increases the contrast and allows to achieve the highest number of Tuta catches.”

Finally, as to caterpillars, Sam recommends growers to use Delta traps. “These traps, which use pheromones, will attract the male moths (the adults of the caterpillars). Biobest has a broad range of specific pheromones for different caterpillar and looper species. But watch out: pheromones are host-specific, so it is important to use the pheromones corresponding with the species they expect to be present in their crops.” Sam advises to use at least two Delta traps per ha.

Press releases: Biobest Belgium NV

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