Microbial-based Production System: A Novel Approach for Plant Growth and Pest and Disease Management in Greenhouse-grown Peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A fundamental shift to a total system approach for crop management in greenhouses is urgently needed to resolve escalating economic and environmental consequences of long- lasting undesired effects of synthetic pesticides u sed in combating agricultural pests. The aim of this study was to examine a potential new ap proach i.e. Microbial-based Production System (MPS) for greenhouse-grown pepper s. For this purpose, a two-year experiment in greenhouse was carried out in southwe stern Turkey (Antalya) in 2011 and 2012, and only microbial-based products were used t o suppress and control invertebrate pests (insects, mites, nematodes, gastropods, etc.) and diseases. In addition, biostimulants, inoculants, and bioyield enhancers were used for pl ant growth, being supported with three macro elements (NPK: Nitrogen– Phosphorus–Pot assium) that are considered to be essential elements for plant growth and development . A conventional plot, largely based on the use of synthetic chemical inputs, such as fe rtilizers and pesticides, was included as the control. The efficacy of the MPS was evaluated by monitoring the population development of the key arthropod pests, such as the cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), the western f lower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) etc. and thei r natural enemies compared with that in a Conventional Production Sys tem (CPS). The results showed significantly lower numbers of the key pests, but h igher numbers of natural enemies were seen in the MPS of greenhouse-grown peppers compare d with the CPS throughout the study. Total yield was relatively higher in the CPS than the MPS in both experimental years. Keywords: Arthropod pests, Biostimulants, C onventional production system, Microbial products.