In spring 2024, Dion Duijvestijn conducted a preliminary study on the control of Opogona sacchari in Cymbidium cultivation as an intern at Vertify. Through a combination of literature review, trials, and interviews with growers, the effectiveness and applicability of different control strategies are evaluated. These strategies include the use of pheromones, mechanical control, and chemical pesticides. In addition, nematodes have been used as biological control. The preliminary research was funded by the Kennis in je Kas (KijK) Foundation. Vertify shares a report on the study.

Mechanical control
The Pats C system offers possibilities for detecting and monitoring Opogona moths in greenhouses, thanks to smart cameras and detailed data analysis. This allows growers to take early action to control the moth population. Several growers have already had positive experiences with this system.

The Pats X system, a drone that controls moths using propellers, represents a potentially innovative and sustainable solution for greenhouse horticulture. Although the potential is great, the system is currently still under development and not readily available to eliminate all moths. Improvements are necessary before the drone can be used as a reliable control technique. In conclusion, Pats C offers benefits for monitoring, while Pats X could become a valuable addition in the future.

Dion also shares results on testing with pheromones, natural enemies, and pesticides.His conclusion is that dealing with Opogona infestation in the Cut Cymbidium crop shows that mechanical control with the Pats C system is possible for monitoring while the Pats X system is still under development. Pheromone traps are less effective than catchlights, and natural enemies such as Steinernema nematodes appear promising against larvae. Chemical control agents, especially Altacor and Mainspring, are effective against medium-sized larvae, while other agents show limited success. An integrated strategy, including monitoring, and biological and chemical control, offers the best chances for effective pest control where larger trials need to be set up to test these methods in a field-ready environment.

Source: www.floraldaily.com