• Cabbage moth

  General The cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) is a highly polyphagous defoliator. Besides being a major cabbage pest, it feeds on 70 plants of 22 families, among them crops such as sweet pepper, tomato, strawberry, lettuce, beetroot, onion, rhubarb as well as chrysanthemum and carnation. It is a species found in Europe, North Africa (Libya, Canary Islands), Japan and sub-tropical Asia, including India. Damage symptoms Large caterpillars feed mainly on

• Tomato leaf miner

  General The tomato leaf miner (Liriomyza bryoniae) has many host plants and has caused crop damage in many parts of the world, including North Africa, Europe and northern Asia. In warmer regions, the insect is found outdoors but in temperate regions it only occurs in greenhouses. The tomato leaf miner has been found in greenhouses for decades, but has become a common pest since the 1960’s, particularly in sweet pepper , lettuce , melon , chrysanthemum

• Tarnished plant bug

  General The lygus bug (or tarnished plant bug) is native to North America, and it is especially common across the eastern half of the continent, from northern Canada to southern Mexico. It is one of the most damaging Hemiptera species, known to feed on almost all commercial crops. Lygus lineolaris boasts at least 385 different host species, the majority of which belong to the plant subclasses Rosidae and Asteridae . Producers can help prevent

• Corn rootworm

  General The western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera ) is a chrysomelid beetle originating from North America, where it is regarded as the main pest of maize. Nowadays it is present in many European countries, including Italy, where it is widespread in the maize-growing areas in the north. Maize is the only crop in which high population densities can develop, and consequently it is susceptible to serious damage. Adults may also be

• Poultry Red Mite

  General Dermanyssus gallinae , the poultry red mite, chicken mite or roost mite, is a major pest of fowl, pigeons, and other caged birds worldwide. A parasite especially common to poultry breeding and egg production operations, it is directly responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in egg industry losses every year. Despite its common names, Dermanyssus gallinae can parasitize a wide range of hosts, including mammals. Infestation rates

• Potato/tomato psyllid

  Overview It is a pest of huge economic importance, which initially affected potatoes and in recent years has become a problem for other Solanaceae crops such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and tobacco. The potato psyllid was considered a minor pest until it was found to be responsible for serious crop damage, both directly and indirectly, the latter causing the greatest concern and proving difficult to control. In light of this, the export of

• 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

• Thrips

  Biological control of thrips Thrips are among the most challenging pests in greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding and virus transmission cause leaf deformation, silvering and fruit damage, leading to reduced yield and marketability. Because they reproduce quickly and hide deep within flowers and leaves, effective thrips control requires an integrated biological approach. Biological control of thrips combines several complementary solutions that

• Whitefly

  Biological control of whitefly Whiteflies are common pests in greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant sap and transmitting harmful viruses. Their feeding weakens plants, causes leaf yellowing and leads to honeydew deposits that reduce crop quality. Effective whitefly control is essential to maintain healthy, productive crops and prevent the spread of diseases. Biological control of whiteflies uses a combination of natural enemies and tools

• Beetles

  Biological control of beetles Beetles can cause serious damage in many greenhouse and field crops by feeding on leaves, roots, or fruits, leading to reduced growth and yield loss. Effective beetle control is essential to maintain healthy and productive crops. Biological control of beetles combines preventive monitoring with targeted interventions using natural solutions: Beneficial nematodes Insect traps Pheromone traps Beneficial nematodes actively