Reducing initial aphid infestation by use of coloured mulch foils and newly developed biodegradable spray-films

authored by

Jan Uwe Niemann, Max Menssen, Hans Michael Poehling

Abstract

A newly invented biodegradable sprayable film based on renewable raw materials was modified in colour to reduce the landing and settlement of alate aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Nasonovia ribisnigri) on iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. crispa). The sprayable films were compared with green and black conventional PE-foils and the cultivation on bare soil. In field trials, migration and host settlement of insect pests were investigated with special consideration of colour contrasts and light reflection. The lettuce was evaluated for alate aphid infestation at the time of initial infestation and at the time of harvest. The aim was to reduce the initial infestation number with alate individuals and to minimize the demand for additional intervening measurements for plant protection. The black-grey spray film led to reduced numbers of aphids at initial infestation date. Evaluation at harvest time shows the need of secondary measurements for reliable pest control. The quality of the lettuce heads was not negatively affected by the spray treatment.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Horticultural Production Systems
Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics

External Organisation(s)

Julius Kühn Institute - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants (JKI)

Type

Article

Journal

Journal fur Kulturpflanzen

Volume

74

Pages

49-62

No. of pages

14

ISSN

1867-0911

Publication date

04.04.2022

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Agronomy and Crop Science, Soil Science, Plant Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2022.03-04.03 (Access: Open)