• Mealybugs and scales

  Biological control of mealybugs and scales Mealybugs and scale insects are persistent pests that feed on plant sap, weakening crops and producing honeydew that leads to sooty mould. Infestations reduce plant vigor, fruit quality and overall yield. Effective control of mealybugs and scales is essential to maintain healthy and marketable crops. Biological control of mealybugs and scales relies on natural enemies and monitoring tools that target different

• Japanese beetle

  General The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica , originates from north-eastern Asia. It was first observed in the US more than 100 years ago. Although not a pest in Japan, extensive turf, and a lack of natural enemies, allowed populations to rapidly build up and spread steadily in the US. In Europe, Popillia japonica was for the first time reported in northern Italy in 2014 where official control actions were taken to prevent further spread. The

• Woolly apple aphid

  General The woolly aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum , is a serious worldwide apple pest. It is probably of North American origin and has been distributed to other parts of the world mainly via infested apple rootstocks. It can occasionally also be found in pear , quince and a few other woody Rosaceae. Damage symptoms Galls are often produced on infested wood. These galls may seriously disfigure young trees and nursery stock. If the galls split they may

• Green peach aphid

  General The green peach aphid or peach potato aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. persicae ) is an important insect pest in sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber and many other greenhouse crops. The aphid may originate from Asia, where its winter-hardy host plant, the peach tree, is native, however it is now a pest with a world-wide distribution. The green peach aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. persicae ) is a particularly polyphagous aphid with summer host plants

• Spider mites and other mites

  Biological control of spider mites and other mites Spider mites and other mite species can rapidly infest greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant cells and causing leaf discoloration, reduced photosynthesis and lower yields. Their fast reproduction makes early detection and continuous control essential for maintaining healthy, productive crops. Biological control of spider mites and other mites uses a range of natural enemies that target

• Aphids

  Biological control of aphids Aphids are among the most harmful pests in greenhouse and field crops, causing plant stress, virus transmission and yield loss. Effective aphid control is essential for maintaining healthy, productive crops. Biological control of aphids uses a combination of natural enemies that attack aphids in different ways: Parasitic wasps Predatory gall midges Ladybirds Lacewings These beneficial insects target aphid populations and

• Tobacco aphid

  General The tobacco aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. nicotianae ) probably evolved from the peach potato aphid in the Far East and is a key pest of tobacco crops in both the United States and South America. The tobacco aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. nicotianae ) is also encountered in a range of crops in greenhouses, such as sweet pepper , aubergine, chrysanthemum , and various pot plants and cut flower crops. Damage symptoms Nymphs and adults extract

• Glasshouse potato aphid

  General The glasshouse potato aphid ( Aulacorthum solani) is a native European species of aphids , seriously affecting crops of sweet pepper in particular. These aphids further affect ornamental crops, such as begonia, as well as potato , lettuce , beans, aubergine and sometimes tomato . Damage symptoms When the glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) pierces the leaves or the fruit of sweet pepper it secretes a toxic substance, which leads to

• Cannabis aphid

  General Although it was first described in 1860, the cannabis aphid ( Phorodon cannabis ; a.k.a. bhang aphid or hemp aphid) is a very new pest to North America. It was first seen on cuttings originating from Colorado in 2016 and is now widespread throughout that state and Oregon. Its range also includes several other states and parts of Canada. The cannabis aphid closely resembles the hop aphid ( Phorodon humuli ), to the point that microscopic analysis

• Leaf miners

  Biological control of leaf miners Leaf miners are damaging pests that tunnel through leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening plant growth. Their feeding patterns cause visible leaf damage, lower crop quality and can open the way for secondary infections. Effective leaf miner control is essential to protect plant vitality and maintain marketable yields. Biological control of leaf miners combines effective natural enemies and monitoring tools to