New defence against Tuta absoluta

Confusing pests with pheromones so that they do not breed is one of the best practices against harmful insects. This technique is allowed as part of organic cultivation methods but can be used with traditional ones as well. The total number of couplings is reduced and delayed, making Isonet® T by Biogard an easy solution to implement against Tuta absoluta in greenhouses.

"Mating disruption with pheromones can be considered the base on which to develop all defence strategies according to the characteristics of each single greenhouse. Correct agronomic practices must be combined as well as support interventions if necessary. Best results are obtained if the method is applied on a wide area year after year," explains Biogard technical director Massimo Benuzzi.

Pheromone dispenser must be installed just before transplants. They are made up of two plastic parallel micocapillaries - one contains the Tuta absoluta pheromone mix, while the other contains an aluminium wire to secure it to the support.

"Diffusers must be placed uniformly all over the greenhouse, with higher dosages near the entrances and edges. In addition, anti-insect nets are recommended to avoid migrations of fecundated females from outside. To contain the Tuta population, it is also useful to destroy residues of previous and current cycles and eliminate spontaneous solanaceous plants both inside and outside greenhouses. Checking the health status of incoming plants and the planning of treatments are useful practices as well."

In addition to visual monitoring, Tuta absoluta can also be monitored through pheromone traps both inside and outside the greenhouse with the new SELURE Ta dispenser. It's an innovative dispenser that guarantees a monitoring period of 10-12 weeks depending on the temperature.

Contacts

Area tecnica Biogard
Via Calcinaro 2085/int.7
47522 Cesena (FC)
Tel.: (+39) 0547 630336
Email: mbenuzzi@cbceurope.it
Web: www.biogard.it