Chungnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services: "Temperatures higher than usual... Density must be managed through proactive monitoring."

The Chungnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services emphasized the need for thorough monitoring and timely control, citing concerns over the persistent occurrence of whiteflies—such as the sweetpotato whitefly and greenhouse whitefly—in fall facility-grown cherry tomatoes due to September temperatures remaining higher than normal.

Whitefly population densities vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature. If the internal temperatures of facilities are maintained at levels favorable for their growth during the autumn season, outbreaks can continue, requiring special attention.

Whiteflies primarily feed on plant sap from the undersides of leaves, inhibiting crop growth. When population densities increase, their excretions cause soot symptoms on leaves and fruits, which can significantly reduce marketability.

In particular, the sweetpotato whitefly acts as a vector for the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), making it crucial to block its entry into facilities and keep population densities low.

Farm households should install yellow sticky traps to periodically check for adult emergence and inspect the undersides of leaves to check for both adults and nymphs. Once whiteflies are confirmed, crop protection products registered for cherry tomatoes must be applied in accordance with safe usage standards.

To reduce the development of pesticide resistance, products with different mechanisms of action should be used alternately. In addition, weeds inside and outside the facilities must be removed and insect-exclusion nets inspected to reduce the influx and spread of pests.

An official from the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services stated, "Even in the fall, if the internal temperature of the facility is maintained, whiteflies can occur, making continuous monitoring important," adding, "We must periodically check for their presence and control them before densities rise to minimize damage."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]