Our most recent workshop which shared lessons learnt from our A Lighter Touch trial using beneficial insects as part of an Integrated Pest Management guide (IPM) took place on 8th August 2024 as part of the TomatoesNZ mini conference. This was a well attended event both in person in Pukekohe and online. Attendees were able to take away printed resources and watch some of the videos which have been developed specifically for keeping on top of pests in greenhouse tomato production.

The resources are also available below to download. The slides (available below) and a recording of the live presentation, followed by the Q&A with growers that have been part of the trial, is available to watch at this link. If you would like an IPM folder posted to you, please get in touch. All the videos available as part of the IPM can be found on the TomatoesNZ YouTube channel in this playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyWjTzcyS3kuOPeQllQIIqgubEoBbvVAG

The information contained in these resources has been developed specifically for tomato growers and is based on data collected from the A Lighter Touch / TomatoesNZ trial into beneficial insects that we are currently running with Bioforce. If you are planning to use beneficial insects as part of an IPM, please get in touch with a supplier to find out what will work in the unique environment of your greenhouse.

Some of the key messages from the trial so far include:

Start planning your use of beneficial insects when you order your seeds

Tell the nursery that you plan to follow a biological IPM

Introduce your beneficial insects into your greenhouse when your plants get delivered

At this early stage there may not be enough pests to feed your beneficial insects so you might need to use supplementary food

You need to look for pests regularly - are there spots in your greenhouse that have a lot? These may need special treatment. Are they getting in through an open door or cracked window? Make changes so that this doesn't happen in future

Some pests are needed to keep the beneficial insects alive so the aim is not complete elimination but keeping the population of pests at a level that it doesn't cause economic damage in your crop

Talk to your supplier before you use sprays as some interventions can kill beneficial insects whereas others will be OK

Have patience and faith in the natural process of beneficial insects, they won't take control of the pests overnight. Talk to your crop advisor or BCA supplier if you're unsure