• Cottony soft rot

  mycelium in dead and living plant material in or on the ground. Sclerotia germinate at temperatures between 4 and 26 °C with an optimum between 13 and 15 °C [...] wilting and death of plants. Life cycle and appearance of Cottony soft rot Cottony soft root ( Sclerotinia sclerotiorum ) overwinters as sclerotia and mycelium [...] plant above it wilts and rots. White, fluffy fungal mycelium grows on the lesions, giving this disease its name cottony soft rot. In the mycelium, big, dark

• Apple collar rot

  optimal for crop growth. Phytophthora overwinters in roots, infected tubers and bulbs or in the soil in different stages: as oospores (sexual overwintering [...] the graft and on leaves, dark brown, irregular lesions occur. In strawberry, the heart leaves wilt first, then the whole plant. Life cycle and appearance [...] belonging to the Oomycetes and are therefore strictly speaking not fungi. They thrive at soil temperatures between 15 and 23 °C and higher water content than

• Black sigatoka disease

  centimetres in size and turn brown with light grey centres. These spots enlarge further and the tissue around the lesions turns yellow and dies. Lesions [...] Lesions merge and the whole leaf turns brown and ultimately dies. In cases of severe infection leaves may die within a few weeks. Because of the lack of leaf [...] the occurrence of puddles and ensuring optimal ventilation in the crop Prevent plant diseases by optimizing plant potential and crop resilience.

• Phytophthora blight

  between 15 and 23 °C and higher water content than is optimal for crop growth. Phytophthora overwinters in roots, infected tubers and bulbs or in the soil [...] growing root tips promote germination and attract the zoospores. The pathogen grows into the stem and on the plant surface and new sporangiophores (structures [...] ting and be careful with overhead irrigation since both a high water content of the soil and water splash promote disease. Ensure fast drying and wound

• Downy mildew of Cucurbits

  during propagation and maintaining a warm and dry climate in greenhouses. Use hygiene measures. Start clean, remove crop residues and prevent splashing [...] stomata. Life cycle and appearance of Downy mildew Pathogens causing downy mildew are not fungi but Oomycetes and related to Pythium and Phytophthora. They [...] sporangia are formed, structures in which zoospores are produced. However, in downy mildews, sporangia often germinate directly and the germ tubes infect the

• Flies

  soft fruits in Europe and North America. Sciarid flies and shore flies are mainly a problem in greenhouses. Their larvae live in the ground and prefer moist [...] problem in greenhouse and field crops, where they disturb plant growth, spread diseases and affect crop hygiene. Their larvae can damage roots and growing [...] traps, lures, and attractants Insect traps Sticky traps Beneficial nematodes and predatory mites target fly larvae in the soil, while traps and attractants

• Beetles

  larvae and adults of beetles can cause damage to crops. The larvae of some species feed on growing tips and roots or chew and bore into stems, but in other [...] can cause serious damage in many greenhouse and field crops by feeding on leaves, roots, or fruits, leading to reduced growth and yield loss. Effective beetle [...] traps Beneficial nematodes actively seek out and eliminate beetle larvae in the soil, while traps help monitor and reduce adult beetle populations. With Koppert’s

• Click beetles

  are 6-10 mm long and yellowish brown to black. The eggs are laid in May or June in groups in the soil. They hatch about one month later and the larvae start [...] the roots and bore into the base of plants. This can cause the plants to wilt and die. Damage is more severe in young plants. Life cycle and appearance [...] fully grown the larvae pupate in the soil in summer. The adults appear about 4 weeks after pupation, but usually remain in the soil until the following

• Thrips

  most challenging pests in greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding and virus transmission cause leaf deformation, silvering and fruit damage, leading to [...] Predatory mites and bugs actively control thrips larvae and pupae, while beneficial nematodes target pupae in the soil. Sticky traps and kairomones support [...] to reduced yield and marketability. Because they reproduce quickly and hide deep within flowers and leaves, effective thrips control requires an integrated

• Citrus mealybug

  distribution and many and diverse host plants. In temperate regions of the world this mealybug poses a problem in greenhouse horticulture, and in the tropics [...] croton and kalanchoë, but also in roses and gerbera. Additionally, the citrus mealybug ( Planococcus citri ) can also appear in cucumber, melon and aubergine [...] reduction of photosynthesis and therefore the yield. Flowers and fruit often drop off. Plant sap is rich in sugars, but low in proteins. In order to gain an adequate