IPM strategies in tomato crops in Spanish greenhouses:Effects of cultivars and the integration of natural enemies

Abstract: The use of Nesidiocoris tenuis, the main released predator, has contributed to theestablishment of biocontrol programmes in more than 50% of the protected tomato crops in thesoutheast of Spain. Three predator releasing strategies (standard, refuge plants and biopropagation)were evaluated according to the season of the year. The development of the predatoron different cultivars was monitored and its combination with Trichogramma achaeae indifferent seasons discussed.