Bugs Can Be A Solution For High-Tunnel Farmers

EMILY STEELE

SIMPSON, ILLINOIS

   More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to benefit from the extended growing season, increased crop diversity, higher yields, and improved quality. But high tunnels come with their own unique challenges – insect pests. Pest outbreaks are more likely, but pesticides are not recommended for use inside high tunnels and can remove helpful predatory insects.

   How can a balance between pest insects and their natural enemies happen? The answer may be biological control, or intentionally introducing natural predators to control insect pests and reduce crop damage.

   This June, walk through the high tunnels at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center with University of Illinois crop researchers and experts. Kacie Athey, specialty crops entomologist, and Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois Extension educator, will share their experiences and observations from their research on biological control to manage insect pest populations at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23 at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 State Hwy 145 N in Simpson, IL.

   Research has shown that biological control is effective on insect pests in greenhouses, but it’s unknown if they work in a high tunnel system, a hoop structure covered with plastic, that is passively vented and not completely enclosed. To help Illinois growers protect their investment, researchers launched a two-year project in the summer of 2021. Athey and Aly released insect predators into high tunnels with tomatoes, peppers, and a few other crops to see if and how they affected common pest populations of spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.

   “Anyone interested in learning more about biological control options and high tunnel vegetable production is welcome to join us and capitalize on this on-farm learning and networking opportunity,” says Aly.

   There is no cost to attend, but please preregister at go.illinois.edu/ BiologicalControl or call (618) 695-2441. For more information, contact Bronwyn Aly at (618) 695-2441 or baly@illinois.edu.

   If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. ∆

   EMILY STEELE: University of Illinois