• Tomato looper

  General The golden twin-spot moth or tomato looper ( Chrysodeixis chalcites ) belongs to the family of Noctuidae . It is a tropical and subtropical species originating in the Mediterranean and northern Africa. The larva is highly polyphagous and feeds on plants of over 20 families, among them crops such as cauliflower , corn, crucifer, soybean, potato , strawberry , banana, sweet pepper and tomato but also chrysanthemum and geranium. An annual

• May beetle

  Overview May beetles are beetles from the Scarabaeidae family, and are plant-eating species from the Melolonthinae subfamily. Although this subfamily contains a number of species which cause damage to crops, the most representative genus is the Phyllophaga . Given the external physical similarities between the adults and larvae of this genus, they are usually treated as a single group, sharing similar habits and biology. The larval stages of these

• Caterpillars

  Biological control of caterpillars Caterpillars are highly destructive pests that feed on leaves, stems and fruits, causing serious damage to greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding reduces photosynthesis, weakens plants and directly affects yield and quality. Effective caterpillar control is therefore essential for maintaining healthy and productive crops. Biological control of caterpillars combines monitoring and control strategies that target

• Black vine weevil

  General The black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, is a pest in many ornamental crops (e.g. rhododendron, cyclamen and azalea), as well as in strawberries and other fruit crops in both temperate and sub-tropical regions. It belongs to the family Curculionidae. Damage symptoms The major damage is caused by the feeding of the larvae on the roots. After the roots have been destroyed the larvae move into corms, rhizomes and stem bases of plants

• Common asparagus beetle

  General The common asparagus beetle ( Crioceris asparagi ) is a major, host-specific pest of asparagus in most asparagus producing regions of the world. Damage symptoms Both adults and larvae feed on the leaves of asparagus . As the larvae feed, they secrete a blackish fluid, consisting of faecal material, which may contaminate the plant. Life cycle and appearance of Common asparagus beetle The life cycle of the asparagus beetle has the following

• Potato aphid

  General The potato aphid ( Macrosiphum euphorbiae ) is of North American origin, but is these days distributed throughout the world. It is a highly polyphagous species with a preference for Solanaceae (particularly potato), but has also been identified on more than 200 plant species from more than 20 families. Various vegetable and ornamental crops grown in greenhouses are colonized, including tomato , aubergine and roses. Damage symptoms Nymphs

• Cotton aphid

  General The cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii ) is an extremely polyphagous aphid found on more than 700 plant species. Crop plants attacked by this aphid include cotton, citrus, coffee, cocoa, eggplant , cucumber , melon, pepper and many ornamental plants such as chrysanthemum and kalanchoe. The cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii ) is distributed throughout the world but prefers the warmer regions. It has been a pest in European greenhouses since the late

• Sciarid flies

  General Sciarid flies constitute the family of Sciaridae. The species that cause most damage to crops belong to the genera Bradysia and Lycoriella . Lycoriella species are mainly found in commercial mushroom cultivation where they can cause enormous damage. Sciarid flies are usually found in damp, humid environments, and appear very commonly in greenhouses throughout the world. Although they generally do little harm to healthy plants, sciarid

• Tomato moth

  General The tomato moth (Lacanobia oleracea) is a particularly a pest in greenhouses but can also inflict damage on outdoor crops. It is a polyphagous species feeding on plants of 14 families including crop species such a tomato, sweet pepper , lettuce , brassicas, cucumber , cut flowers (particularly chrysanthemums), apple as well as perennial and woody shrubs and trees. The tomato moth ( Lacanobia oleracea) is found throughout Europe, North Africa

• Black bean aphid

  General The black bean aphid, Aphis fabae , is widespread in temperate regions, where it is a serious economic pest of beans. It is highly polyphagous, and attacks a wide range of other crops. Damage symptoms Economic damage by black bean aphid is mainly due to direct feeding damage. Indirect damage is caused through the transmission of plant viruses. Infestations start usually at the younger parts of the plant but can spread all over the plant.