Evaluation of sustainable strategies for greenhouse pest control in chrysanthemum and sweet pepper production

The effectiveness of 16 examples of selected sustainable practices in pest control (i.e. application of plant-derived products, microbial agents or inorganic compounds with expected low environmental impact; simultaneous use of already registered active substances against other harmful organisms, and trap cropping) was tested in the protected cultivation of Chrysanthemum × morifolium Creamist Golden and Capsicum annuum Ożarowska against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch.) and thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Thrips tabaci Lind.). The study identified Bacillus subtilis, common nettle manure, willow bark decoction, oregano and cinnamon essential oils as the most promising solutions for reducing spider mite population. However, in the thrips control, the infusion of Canadian goldenrod root showed a high immediate efficacy that was comparable to the abamectin that was used as a reference product. Further research on these substances is recommended to increase their effectiveness, understand their mode of action against pests and determine the impact on crops.