Impatiens thrips

General Impatiens thrips (Echinothrips americanus) is an increasing problem in greenhouse cultivation, having spread to many countries within the last 30 years. The thrips have mostly been able to spr

Cyclamen mite

General The cyclamen mite ( Phytonemus pallidus ) is a harmful strawberry pest as well as a common pest found in cyclamen, gerbera and other ornamentals . Mites belonging to the family of tarsonemids

Southern European marshland pyralid

General The southern European marshland pyralid or European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is a polyphagous species feeding on a wide range of hosts from 38 plant families. They include ornamental

Beet armyworm

General The beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) has become a regular problem for horticulturalists due to its resistance to nearly all insecticides, and its ability to develop on wild vegetation during

Cotton leafworm

General The cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) is a highly polyphagous species feeding on plants of 40 families, containing 87 species of economic importance. It originates in Egypt, and is curre

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,

Whitefly

Biological control of whitefly Whiteflies are common pests in greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant sap and transmitting harmful viruses. Their feeding weakens plants, causes leaf yellowing and

Mealybugs and scales

Biological control of mealybugs and scales Mealybugs and scale insects are persistent pests that feed on plant sap, weakening crops and producing honeydew that leads to sooty mould. Infestations reduc

Potato/tomato psyllid

Overview It is a pest of huge economic importance, which initially affected potatoes and in recent years has become a problem for other Solanaceae crops such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and toba

Obscure mealybug

General The obscure mealy bug ( Pseudococcus viburni ) (formerly known as Pseudococcus affinis) originates from South America, but can now be found in many parts of the world with a temperate climate.