Are you a tomato grower in Greece? If you’re looking for some hints and tips on how to tackle pests interfering with your crop this growing season, look no further. Spiros Kavouras, Key Account Manager of South East Europe & the Middle East, has put together a step-by-step guide enlisting all the key biological control agents you need to successfully implement biocontrol in your IPM strategy.

From Tricholine Tuta, to Macroline, and pollination — below you can learn how to defeat those annoying tomato pests.

Macroline (Macrolophus pygmaeus) /Nesiline:

• Macroline to be used at cooler areas of country (central & North) and Nesiline to be used at warmer (south).
• Both species need a period of 4-8 weeks to establish in the crop-need feeding.
• Rate of 0,5-1ind/m² depending the area and pest pressure.

Bugfood (Ephestia eggs):

• Necessary for feeding Macroline+Nesiline and help establishment in crop. Provide food for 4-6 weeks, until we observe the first nymphs (of 2nd generation) in crop.

Tricholine Tuta:

• The Only Tuta absoluta’s egg parasitoid available in the market.
• Start releases upon first Tuta absoluta’s egg presence.
• Rate per application: 10-15 dispensers/1000m², No of applications 4-6 depending pest pressure.

 Eretline (Eretmocerus eremicus):

• Very good complement to Macro/Nesi bugs. We use it until Macro/Nesi are established.
• Dose rate: from 3 up to 15 ind/m2 depending the area and pest pressure.

Trapline P8051-07S

• Place 1 trap per 100m² for monitoring whitefly population.

Beeline (Bombus spp.):

• Bumblebees for natural flower pollination.
• Introduce when 30% of plants are in flowering stage.
• Continuously check for bumblebee activity looking the nest box as well bite marks on flowers to assure good pollination levels.
• Use 1 box of Total Hive System per 2000m2 for beef & cluster tomato type and 1 box per 1000 for cherry type and replace every 5-7 weeks.