Biological Control Practices for High-Tunnel Crop Production

From 2002 to 2005, the High Tunnel Research and Education Facility at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) conducted extensive on-farm research evaluating the use of predator and parasitoid insects to control target pests on Solanacous crops, those grown most frequently in high tunnels in the Mid-Atlantic region. Insect scouting was conducted weekly throughout the growing season in each year, data was collected, recorded and compiled. Grower cooperators were supplied with transplants, beneficial insect shipments, equipment and supplies needed to conduct scouting and extensive training and consultation was provided by PSU researchers on a monthly basis or as requested by the grower. The outreach of this project was extensive, with research findings and general overview’s of biological pest management presented at a variety of professional and lay meetings, tours and demonstrations. Surveys were conducted to help gauge the knowledge of biocontrol that our target audiences possessed and evaluate where more information was needed.

Want more information? See the related SARE grant(s) LNE02-164, Biological Control Practices for High-Tunnel Crop Production.

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Project products are developed as part of SARE grants. They are made available with support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within project products do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.