Whitefly is a problem for the cultivation of poinsettia and lisianthus. Vertify has started research to keep the whitefly out of cultivation, the World Horti Center shares. The research was commissioned by the Poinsettia crop group of Glastuinbouw Nederland. The focus is on predominant factors causing the whitefly problem, and on possible solutions for this problem.
In the summer, a survey was carried out among Poinsettia growers about whitefly on their farms. From the respondents to the survey, three companies were selected, and a practical research has been started at their farms. The whitefly on these farms is being monitored by means of sticky traps and crop inspections. Climate data is also monitored, and nutrition and residues are examined. By collecting all this data, Vertify hopes to gain more knowledge about the pest. This should lead to an overview of the factors that can influence the development of whitefly.
Whitefly is also a problem for the cultivation of lisianthus, which is why this crop group has also asked to set up a similar project. At the moment, the problems are being investigated among growers by means of a survey, and after that, a study will be started at World Horti Center.
Source: WHC
