Overview
- Researchers reported on Tuesday that a multi‑partner project testing nonchemical controls for the tomato pest Aculops lycopersici produced promising candidates after trials run from 2022 to 2025.
- The trials identified two native predatory mite species that tolerate drier greenhouse conditions and can be established in plantings using measures such as targeted pollen placement.
- Teams also tested physical measures such as insect glue and oil‑based barriers that slowed mite movement along stems, though some application methods used in trials are too labor intensive for growers.
- Commercial biocontrol suppliers do not yet offer the specific predatory mite species trialed, creating a gap between research results and on‑farm use for conventional and organic producers.
- Researchers are now focused on simplifying deployment, scaling production, and answering practical questions such as which tomato varieties are most susceptible and how sugar content may affect infestation risk.