Macrolophus trial with Koppert Netherlands
Biological pest control in tomato cultivation using Macrolophus
At the Tomatoworld field lab, a practical trial is being conducted in collaboration with Koppert Netherlands to investigate the use of biological control in tomato cultivation. The focus is on accelerating the build-up of Macrolophus, a beneficial predatory bug, to preventively limit the establishment of the harmful pest Nesidiocoris. This approach is in line with the growing need for sustainable, chemical-free cultivation strategies within greenhouse horticulture.
Accelerated establishment of Macrolophus in the greenhouse
The core of the trial involves applying a high initial dose of Macrolophus to the crop. The aim is to achieve a population of around 10 individuals per plant more quickly. The underlying hypothesis is that a strong and early presence of these beneficial insects prevents Nesidiocoris from establishing itself and developing to a damaging level, particularly in the top of the crop where damage often occurs.
The trial is being conducted under field conditions in the Tomatoworld greenhouse and in parallel at an external growing site. This design provides a realistic picture of the effectiveness of this strategy within different growing environments.
Monitoring and data-driven insights
The build-up of the Macrolophus population is closely monitored through manual counts. In the first phase, counts are carried out fortnightly on selected plants, after which the frequency is increased to weekly counts as soon as new generations (nymphs) become visible. This monitoring continues until approximately week 17 of the growing season.
The collected data provide insight into:
- The rate of population build-up at a high introduction dose
- The dynamics between Macrolophus and Nesidiocoris
- The effectiveness of preventive biological control
Relevance to practice
Nesidiocoris poses a growing challenge in tomato cultivation due to the combination of pest pressure and limited control options. This trial investigates one of the potential solutions: strengthening the biological balance within the crop through the targeted use of beneficial insects.
- The results contribute to:
- Data-driven cultivation decisions
- Reduction in chemical crop protection
- Resilient and sustainable cultivation systems
Tomatoworld as a field lab for biological control
As an independent field lab, Tomatoworld offers a practical environment in which innovations in greenhouse horticulture are tested, validated and demonstrated. This trial with Koppert Netherlands is an example of how technology, biology and cultivation expertise come together to develop concrete solutions to current challenges in the sector.
Find out more or experience it for yourself
Would you like to know how this strategy can be applied to your own growing operations? Get in touch or arrange a visit to the Tomatoworld field lab and discover how biological control and data-driven cultivation come together in practice.