project - Research and innovation
Combatting dry bulb mite in tulip bulbs without pesticides
Combatting dry bulb mite in tulip bulbs without pesticides
Objectives
Storing strawberry plants in a closed environment with little oxygen can reduce mites. This is why the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs of Wageningen University & Research conducted research on tulip bulbs to test if they could also be stored for a certain period under conditions including high temperature, little oxygen and a high CO2 content – a method called CATT (Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment) to reduce mites infestations.
Objectives
N/A
Additional comments
CONTACTFORM OF Martin van Dam:
https://www.wur.nl/de/Kontakt.htm?contactpersonid=5131&contactpersonnam…
Additional information
The dry bulb mite is a bug that is difficult to control. Apart from chemical control, some essential oils are effective, but they are not allowed. The aim of this research was to find a way to find a (non-chemical) way to control the dry bulb mite without causing damage to the bulbs and plants.
The study showed that the dry bulb mite (Aceria tulipae) in tulips can be controlled by storing tulip bulbs for 48 hours at a temperature of 25 ° C with low oxygen and high CO2-level. This treatment has no adverse effects on the flower bulbs themselves. The CATT method thus appears to be more effective and cleaner than the traditional, chemical control of the tulip gall mite. However, the method is labour-intensive and creates logistical challenges. A grower must also have sufficient airtight cells.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other public (national, regional) research funds