Economic evaluation of insect-proof screens for preventing tomato yellow leaf curl virus of tomatoes in Israel

Physical Control: An Important Tool in Pest Management Programs

“…Following the invasion of virus-bearing whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)), it was impossible to grow tomato crops in open fields anywhere in the Mediterranean region from late spring through autumn (Berlinger et al 1996). The development of insect exclusion screens (IES) -fine mesh screening, not a solid plastic barrier -enables the cost effective production of tomatoes and other vegetables (Taylor et al 2001;Berlinger et al 2002) even under significant pest pressure. The advantage of mesh screening, as opposed to solid plastic sheets, is that it permits movement of air and help reduce humidity, which enhances plant pathogen development.…”

Physical Control in Greenhouses and Field Crops

“…In recent years, greenhouse screening has become standard pest management worldwide. This form of physical control has proven cost-effective for both consumers and growers (Taylor et al 2001;Berlinger et al 2002). Other forms of barriers include: fences that prevent horizontal movement of flying insects; mulches that prevent or deflect insect penetration of soil and plants, conserve water, and inhibit weeds; trenches that prevent movement of crawling insects; and particle barriers applied directly to plants.…”

Field analysis of the deterioration after some years of use of four insect-proof screens utilized in Mediterranean greenhouses

“…Insect-proof screens must be placed at all greenhouse ventilation openings, and their use contributes to reducing the levels of pest populations, and therefore the incidence of direct damage to the crop and the transmission of diseases. Consequently, greenhouse growers are less likely to need phytosanitary treatments (Baker & Jones, 1989;Berlinger et al, 1991 and1992;Taylor et al, 2001;Teitel, 2007), which has a most positive effect on the profitability of the crops and contributes to the reduction of negative environmental impacts. In Israel, Taylor et al (2001) estimated that losses due to B. tabaci amounted to 15-32 million dollars between 1980 and 1990, and these could have been avoided if insect-proof screens had been used.…”

“…Consequently, greenhouse growers are less likely to need phytosanitary treatments (Baker & Jones, 1989;Berlinger et al, 1991 and1992;Taylor et al, 2001;Teitel, 2007), which has a most positive effect on the profitability of the crops and contributes to the reduction of negative environmental impacts. In Israel, Taylor et al (2001) estimated that losses due to B. tabaci amounted to 15-32 million dollars between 1980 and 1990, and these could have been avoided if insect-proof screens had been used. However, the main drawback of these screens is their negative effect on natural ventilation and greenhouse microclimate.…”