Introduction
Carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus) and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are the two main infestations affecting carnation crops. These two infestation organisms are difficult to treat with chemical agents. Spider mite lives on the underside of the leaf and is difficult to reach by spraying since the crop structure is very dense and compact. Thrips lives hidden away deep in the growing points and in the buds, making it equally difficult to reach with crop protection agents. Another important aspect is that the waxy coating on the carnation plants is easily damaged by chemical crop protection agents. This results in a reduced ornamental value and therefore often also in reduced profits. Consequently, only a very limited range of agents can be used on carnation crops.
Integrated crop protection has so far scarcely been applied in carnations. One of the reasons for this is the often low cultivation temperature at which natural enemies develop at a rate that is slower than that of the pests.