<b>ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF APHID BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN HIGH TUNNEL SPINACH PRODUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM A FARM-LEVEL FINANCIAL TOOL</b>

Spinach (<i>Spinacia oleracea</i>) is a widely cultivated leafy green, often grown in high tunnels in the Midwestern United States. While high tunnels can extend the production season and increase yield, they can also create favorable conditions for pests (e.g., aphids), which can reduce both yield and marketability. Biological control agents have shown potential in mitigating aphid infestations, but their economic viability remains an unknown aspect of implementing the control measure for growers. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of aphid management with and without of biological control agents (i.e., <i>Adalia bipunctata, Chrysoperla carnea</i>, and <i>Orius insidiosus</i>) in high tunnel spinach production. To assess economic feasibility, we developed a financial tool that integrates research-based data on yield, marketability, and the costs associated with biological control. Field data were collected in Lafayette, IN, while additional farm financial data such as variable costs, labor, fixed costs, overhead expenses, and revenue were gathered from high tunnel farms to refine the tool’s framework. The tool generates cost analysis, profitability analysis, sensitivity analysis, breakeven analysis, and key financial performance indicators. Using this tool, we conducted a case study on two distinct farm systems to compare the economic outcomes of biological control versus conventional aphid management. Results indicate that while conventional methods had lower input costs, <i>C. carnea</i> significantly increased net profits in both farm systems due to improved yield and marketability. Marginal benefit-cost ratio and return on investment analyses further confirmed that <i>C. carnea</i> can provide a favorable economic return for aphid control in high tunnel spinach production.