Western flower thrips is a big problem in Chrysanhemum, which is why we use it as a model crop system 

The trichome mimics should not affect the efficacy of Natural Enemies negatively 

Bees and bumblebees are important pollinators, our product should not be toxic to them or other non-target insects 

Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Almere

TESTING OF TRICHOME MIMIC EFFICACY USING BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Lecturer/Researcher - Dr. Mirka Macel
Lecturer/ Researcher Dr. Bram Knegt
Biology study manager - Dr. Linda Nol
At Aeres, research is ongoing on how natural enemies, pollinators and other non-target insects are affected by the trichome mimics. This is what is on their agenda:
(1) Assessment of natural enemy efficiency and behaviour in presence of trichome mimics and pest insects.
(2) Effects of the trichome mimics on pollinators and non-target insects.
(3) Education and facilitation of outreach of our research to society.
"We must make sure our new crop protection method is compatible with IPM practices and safe for the insects we rely on in our current greenhouse systems."
Aeres Hogeschool
  • Stadhuisstraat 18, Almere, Leylstad, 1315 HC, Netherlands