ARACZEA_COOP – Control strategies for red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) in maize (Zea Mays)

The main objective of the project is to find a way to return to a natural balance that allows for an adequate control of the damage caused by red spider mites by natural enemies. This return is proposed by testing and evaluating the following control strategies:

• Determine whether there are more tolerant varieties than others in a representative sample of plant material currently in use. Determine the effect of variety cycle and sowing date.
• Establish the efficacy of sulphur application and wildlife friendly products.
• Assess the effect of reinforcing natural populations of natural enemies with artificial releases on different dates, with viable dispersal systems in the commercial maize crop.
• To economically evaluate the different strategies tested, to show their viability at the producer level.
• Test teledection tools for the detection and monitoring of the evolution of the disease. 

The actions are planned in two of the most representative areas of the crop, namely the western part of the Lleida region (Segrià) and the irrigated area of the Urgell canal (Pla d’Urgell, among others).

Action of the Strategic Plan of the PAC 2023-2027 co-funded by: