A Study on Biological Control using the ‘Natural Enemy in First (NEF)’ Technology in Tomato Greenhouses

We studied the efficacy of the ‘Natural Enemy in First (NEF)’ technology in controlling thrips and aphids in tomato greenhouses, relative to the natural enemy and conventional chemical treatments. This technology combined the use of natural enemies of the pests (parasites/predators) with their food sources/habitats, and the treatment commenced at the time of planting. The ‘NEF’ technology, for the control of thrips, had an efficacy 32% higher than the natural enemy treatment, and 82% higher than the conventional chemical treatment. The average population density of aphids after the treatment was not significantly different among all treatments.