Work

A review of integrated pest management practices in high tunnel specialty crop production

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High tunnels are a unique hybrid system of open field and greenhouse agriculture. As a result, pest dynamics and appropriate control methods differ from non-high tunnel environments. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current peer-reviewed research regarding arthropod pests and pest management techniques in high tunnels. We examine how pest populations compare between high tunnels and other forms of crop production and discuss how high tunnel conditions, such as seasonality and tunnel material, affect arthropod behavior. We look at the current knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) practices in high tunnels, including monitoring methods, economic thresholds, cultural control, biological control, and chemical control. Research on monitoring methods and economic thresholds in high tunnels is limited. Current cultural control methods primarily include using banker plants and companion plants to attract natural enemies and insect exclusion netting to prevent the entrance of insect pests. Companion planting of cut flowers and wildflowers encourage natural enemy residence, but the efficacy of banker plants and exclusion netting is mixed. Biological control in high tunnels can be successful in managing common pests, such as Tetranychus urticae, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Bemisia tabaci ; however, extreme temperatures in high tunnels can limit the efficacy of natural enemies. Chemical control research shows that pesticides are often needed in high tunnels due to high pest pressure and have a slower degradation rate in high tunnels than in open field agriculture. Ultimately, considerably more research is needed on potential IPM for arthropod control that would fit growers' needs. • High tunnels alter arthropod behavior and pest management efficacy • There is a gap in knowledge of monitoring and economic thresholds in high tunnels • Cultural control tactics rely on companion planting or exclusion • Biological control implementation is challenging and control success is variable • Chemical residues can be higher in high tunnels presenting safety concerns

Source: Crop Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107530

Authors: Eleanor L. Meys, Samantha A. Willden, Laura L. Ingwell, Garima Kohli, Kacie J. Athey

Institutions: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Cornell University, Purdue University West Lafayette, Boston University

Language: English

Topic: Insect-Plant Interactions and Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,360