Using Natural Enemies to Control Greenhouse Pests

Biological pest control, often known as biological pest control or biocontrol, is a sustainable and ecologically friendly method of pest management in agriculture. It entails using living organisms, including predators, parasitoids, and diseases, to control pest populations and reduce agricultural loss. The study used the experimental method. The experiment was conducted in Al Batinah South Governorate from 2019-2021 to address crop loss and pesticide overuse in tomato and cucumber crops. Then, it was extended to Al Sharqiyah North, Ad Dakhiliyah, and Al Batinah North Governorates, using biological control methods like Green lacewing and Ladybird. The study used frequencies, percentages and standard deviations as statistical methods. The study employed the experimental method. In the current study, the researcher used certain natural enemies to test their effects on protecting tomato and cucumber crops in greenhouses from harmful pests in the Sultanate of Oman. The results revealed that Green lacewing and Ladybiboth both significantly eliminated whiteflies in tomato and cucumber crops by effectively controlling their populations. The study found that both the ladybird beetle and the green lacewing insect effectively reduced pest populations in tomato and cucumber plants over 10 days. The green lacewing insect led to an average reduction of 80% in pests, while the ladybird beetle was more effective, resulting in a 70% average reduction. Thus, the novelty of this research lies in its exploration of the use of natural enemies like the green lacewing and ladybird as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling greenhouse pests, emphasizing the importance of sustainable pest management practices and integrating natural enemies with cultural practices and monitoring techniques.