Exploration of low-risk agents thrips and onion fly

The current topicality clearly shows it; the onion fly, bean fly and tobacco thrips are key pests in onion cultivation. Growers have put a lot of effort into thrips control in recent years with varying degrees of success.

In the case of onion flies, the loss of the seed coating with Mundial currently plays a negative role, resulting in a number of problems. The control of all these pests has been taken up by the Integrated Insect Control working group. As part of the approach, Proeftuin Zwaagdijk will carry out six trials in 2020, three aimed at controlling thrips and three aimed at controlling the onion fly. In addition, as Uireka 2.0, a number of questions have recently been asked among the partners that should provide an even better picture of the damage caused by insects, the possible causes of this and possible solutions.

In the control of thrips damage, experience has been gained in recent years that cultivation techniques can contribute significantly to reducing pressure, but that sufficient resources in the toolbox can also make the difference. These agents then preferably have a favorable profile, in the direction of the environment and saving natural enemies. In three tests, in Wieringerwerf, Tollebeek, Colijnsplaat, 16 objects are compared.

2020 crucial for onion fly control

In terms of onion fly (and bean fly) control, 2020 is a crucial season. Major loss of onion fly is currently reported from various parts of the country (up to 20% loss in seed onions and an even greater loss in fine onions (first year onion sets, silver onions). ) population build-up is taking place. There is now a great need for alternative means for the missing seed coating. In three tests, in Wieringerwerf, Rutten, Colijnsplaat, 2021 objects are compared. For these tests, too, the precondition is that the alternative means preferably have a should have a favorable environmental profile, so that they also offer solace for the longer term.

The current research is furthermore approached pragmatically. For all trials, the choice of treatments is a consideration of the expected effectiveness in combination with the chances of (smooth) admission.

This article belongs to Ureka† Uireka is a unique chain project, where Hazera participates in. Its aim is to improve the quality, and thereby strengthen the export position, of the Dutch onion.