Year: 2018
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: In organic farming investigations regarding environmental friendly methods of 'Pests Management' are of high importance. In order to replace synthetic pesticides, antagonistic insects were tested against White Fly ( Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) as well as plant oils. For enhancement of plant growth two different biostimulators based on humic acid ('Humintech' and 'Humentos') were used, the interaction with the antagonistic insects and the White Fly were investigated. As antagonistic insects, the parasitic wasp ( Encarsia formosa Gahan) and the predatory assassin bug ( Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur) were applied apart as well as in combination. In addition against the White Fly two plant oil compounds the Pine oil and the Castor oil were used and their effect on various stages of the White Fly's development, the adult insects, the parasitic activity and the predator performance were examined in both greenhouse and lab conditions. Under optimal growing conditions of the tomato plants, humic acid preparations 'Humintech' and 'Humentos' in concentration 0.005% as leaf application had no influence on the yield. However, 'Humentos' (0.05%) showed yield increasing effect on tomato plants under suboptimal cultivation conditions and three times application. Both predator insects' E. formosa and M.pygmaeus are capable to control population of the White Fly if duly applied. The best results were obtained in case of combination of both antagonists. Both oil preparations (the Pine oil and the Castor oil) had in concentration of 1% an insecticide effect on both larvae as well as adult insects of the White Fly. Best results were achieved with Pine oil a mortality rate of 80% was obtained. The humic acid preparation 'Humintech' showed repellent effect on the White Fly and its antagonists. As result of these researchcan be confirmed,that investigatedmethods of biological controlcan be applied in environment friendly cultivation oftomatoes in protected cultivation.
Institution: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2905782832