USE OF Orius laevigatus TO CONTROL Frankliniella occidentalis (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) POPULATION IN GREENHOUSE PEPPER
Abstract
Although chemical pesticides play a vital role in controlling the number of harmful insects, they also contribute to accelerate pollution of soil, air and water. Due to the frequent use, insects become resistant to active ingredients very quickly; they destroy the natural enemies of the pests, and have a harmful effect on humans. Accordingly, the application of biological protection, that is, the use of living organisms (predators and parasites) in plant protection programs in protected areas, takes on a larger scale worldwide rather than the use of chemical pesticides.
The aim of our research was determining the effectiveness of pirate bug Orius laevigatus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on reducing the population of Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). Experiment was set in commercial greenhouses (3 unheated plastic tunnels, ca. 125 m2, each), located in the area of Dabilje, Republic of Macedonia, during 2019 and 2020.
The results obtained correspond to our expectation in controlling the population of the trips. Predator proved to be effective in reducing the number of thrips population.
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