Umbrales económicos de Myzus persicae (Hemiptera, Aphididae) sobre pimiento en invernadero comercial

In Campo de Cartagena (Murcian Region) and Vega Baja (Valencian Community) greenhouses, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is one of the sweet pepper aphids that produce damage. To define the treatment thresholds, an assay in a commercial greenhouse of Orlando sweet pepper was carried out. Several plants were infested by different levels of M. persicae and its evolution was followed throughout 2004-2005 season, and harvest was characterized. Maximum quantity of M. persicae and yield loss were correlated to obtain a mathematical function able to get the economic injury level and derived thresholds. Using current values of price, production, cost and chemical treatment efficiency, very low thresholds were obtained; it implies an instantaneous treatment against the aphid.