DEPENDENCE OF THRIPS INFESTATION ON SPATIAL CLIMATE DISTRIBUTION IN A ROSE GREENHOUSE CROP

Though greenhouse climate distribution also rules pest distribution, few studies have been dedicated to this crucial question, the rare existing ones being mostly realized in laboratory rather than greenhouse conditions. However, recent progress on greenhouse microclimate characterisation has highlighted a strong indoors climate heterogeneity, also probably ruling inside pest distribution inside the greenhouse. In our study, both microclimate (temperature) and thrips distribution were simultaneously mapped in a rose crop in a greenhouse compartment. Air temperature measurements were performed in a horizontal plane situated mid height on the rose crop inside the greenhouse and simultaneously thrips population dynamics was assessed after an artificial homogeneous infestation of the rose crop. Climate and thrips distributions within the greenhouse compartment were compared and basic information was drawn concerning the dependence of thrips infestation on climate condition. These findings were used at a later date to propose climate control strategies which allow the control of greenhouse rose pest infestations.