By Zoila Palma: Ten farmers participated in the fifth training session on thrips management in sweet pepper production, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Cayo District Agriculture Department in Springfield, Cayo, on Thursday, October 22.
The training was led by Extension Officer Moises Perez and focused on biological control alternatives for thrips and other agricultural pests. As part of the session, green lacewing insects (Chrysoperla carnea) were released to help control thrips populations affecting sweet pepper crops.
Despite ongoing management efforts, thrips infestations continue to threaten crop development and production.
The Ministry noted that the pest can cause significant damage to flowers and fruits, potentially resulting in crop losses of up to 100%.
Farmers were also reminded that no single control method, whether chemical, biological or mechanical, can completely eradicate thrips because of their life cycle and ability to develop resistance to chemical treatments.
The training sessions form part of collaborative efforts involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Climate Resilient Agriculture Project (CRESAP) and the Regional International Organization for Plant Protection and Animal Health (OIRSA).
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