Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro: a trial for biological defense against red spider mites begins in the Piacenza area
A trial has been launched for the control and progressive elimination of the red spider mite population.
The agronomists of the Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro assisted by Bioplanet of Cesena (FC), a company that breeds insects and mites for biological pest control in organic farming, by the companies Buoli Attilio snc of Gussola (CR) and Aermatica3D of Colverde (CO) who provided the drone and equipment for insect release, and by Marco Zambelli, Aermatica Consultant and Technician for the Consorzio Agrario dell’Emilia, have launched a trial for the control and progressive elimination of the red spider mite population.
The red spider mite (Tetranychus Urticae) is an extremely small mite that causes enormous damage and is particularly prolific. It attacks the leaves, which consequently can no longer "support" the tomato, leading to the plant's death. In the last season, it spread mainly in the area south of Piacenza, also extending to the lands of Parma, Ferrara, and Alessandria.
The trial, conducted on a plot of approximately three hectares belonging to a member of the Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro in Rivergaro (PC), involved an initial drone release of hundreds of thousands of a single type of phytoseiids on half of the plot, while on the other half, various types of phytoseiids were released by drone across the entire field.
The plot will then be monitored weekly using a drone equipped with a multispectral camera, and the agronomists of the Consorzio Casalasco will evaluate any further releases of phytoseiids.
The Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro aims to replace conventional pest control with biological defense, which can be extended to all participating farms, also achieving a significant reduction in carbon footprint due to less use of agricultural machinery and thus a lower environmental impact, further protecting biodiversity.
