Growing tomatoes without insecticides

Growing tomatoes under glass without any insecticides was successful on 145 ha. in 1996. A combination of qualified advice and the optimal use of available beneficials resulted in an insecticide-free product. Grower organisations will use this as a marketing tool. The use of Opius pallipes resulted in a better leafminer control. The use of Phytoseiulus persimilis reared on tomato spider mites was better compared to the use of P. persimilis reared on bean spider mites. Feeding Macrolophus caliginosus with eggs of Ephestia kuehniella gave a faster development in the field.