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Effect of High Tunnels on Populations of Whiteflies, Aphids and Thrips on Tomatoes in Mississippi

Stephenson RC*, Coker CEH, Posadas BC, Bachman GR, Harkess RL, Adamczyk JJ

There is increased interest in production of high-value crops in high tunnels, which have potential to increase productivity by extension of the growing season. Improved conditions in high tunnels may lead to improved yield and earlier maturity as well as additional production time. This can be of particular importance for crops where a premium price may be received for off-season production. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are one of the most important crops produced in high tunnels. Impact of high tunnels on insect pest populations is not well understood. Impact of high tunnels on populations of whiteflies, thrips, and aphids in southern Mississippi were evaluated using a plant washing procedure on ‘Celebrity’ and ‘Early Girl Bush’ tomatoes grown under field and high tunnel conditions for spring and fall seasons of two production years. Data on plant growth and environmental conditions were collected. High tunnel production resulted in increased whitefly populations. This increase in population was due to elevated temperatures within the high tunnels and protection from rainfall. Aphid and thrips populations were not impacted by high tunnel production in this study; however, overall population numbers of these pest taxa were low throughout the study period. Tomato plant height was greater for both varieties under high tunnel production as a result of increased temperatures.