Managing aphids in a pepper crop requires constant attention, quick action and the right combination of biological solutions. At GreenView, a close partnership with Biobest is helping the team keep pest pressure under control while putting biological control at the heart of their IPM strategy.
For Ellie, Junior IPM Manager at GreenView, monitoring is where it all starts.
Peach-potato aphid is one of the main pest challenges in the crop. To spot problems as early as possible, a dedicated team monitors the greenhouse every day, keeping a particularly close eye on aphids as well as other potential pests.
A step-by-step IPM approach
GreenView follows a clear order of priorities when managing pest pressure.
The first step is regular monitoring, followed by preventive measures such as good greenhouse hygiene. Biological control is then used wherever possible, with chemical treatments kept as a final option when additional intervention is needed.
This approach allows the team to react quickly when aphids appear while giving beneficial insects the best possible opportunity to establish and work in the crop.
Tackling aphid hotspots with Micromus-System
Last season, following advice from Biobest, GreenView trialled Micromus-System in aphid hotspots.
The results made an immediate impression on the team. Once released in affected areas, Micromus rapidly began feeding on the aphids and proved particularly useful for dealing with localised outbreaks.
Following the successful trial, Micromus-System has become an important part of GreenView’s strategy for responding to aphid hotspots.
Building long-term control with Propylea-System
Alongside Micromus-System, GreenView regularly uses Propylea-System as part of its weekly biological control programme.
One of the advantages observed by the team is how easily Propylea establishes in the crop. After introduction, eggs and larvae can be found throughout the greenhouse, helping maintain continuous pressure on aphid populations.
Both the larvae and adults feed on aphids, making Propylea-System a valuable tool for both rapid intervention and longer-term control.
For Ellie, the combination works particularly well: Propylea-System provides a strong biological foundation throughout the crop, while Micromus-System can be introduced where extra support is needed in hotspots.
Weekly monitoring and advice
The biological programme is supported by close cooperation with Biobest.
Zara, Technical Sales Advisor at Biobest UK, visits GreenView every week. Together with Ellie and the greenhouse team, she reviews what has been observed in the crop, evaluates how well the beneficials are establishing and discusses any adjustments that may be needed.
Other biological control agents, including Degenerans-System and Montdorensis-System, are also performing well in the pepper crop and form part of the wider IPM programme.
This regular follow-up means decisions can be based on what is actually happening in the greenhouse from week to week.
Biological control at the centre of the strategy
GreenView is now in its second season working with Biobest. For the team, acting early remains one of the most important lessons when dealing with aphids.
Rather than waiting for populations to build up, regular monitoring and timely introductions of beneficial insects help keep outbreaks manageable.
By combining prevention, careful scouting and targeted biological solutions such as Micromus-System and Propylea-System, GreenView has developed an IPM programme designed to keep aphid pressure under control while minimising the need for chemical intervention.
Want to find out how Micromus-System and Propylea-System could fit into your aphid control programme? Contact your local Biobest advisor for tailored advice.
