R. C. Hochmuth, W. L. Laughlin, R. K. Sprenkel, and K. S. Smith
University of Florida/North Florida Research and Education Center
7580 County Road 136, Live Oak, FL 32060-7434

Abstract. The Florida greenhouse vegetable and herb industry represents about 80 acres. The industry in Florida has a competitive advantage during the winter months due to lower heating costs compared to other areas of the U.S. and Canada. This advantage sets the stage for a market window that requires planting in the early fall, (Aug – Sept). This timeframe has high insect populations making pest management perhaps one of the most important production aspects, especially for tomato. The primary tomato pest during the fall in Florida is the silverleaf whitefly. The impact of this pest is magnified by the role it plays in transmitting plant viruses, including tomato chlorosis virus and tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Once whiteflies enter the greenhouse and begin feeding, high levels of virus transmission are likely even if the whiteflies are killed later. Therefore, insect pest exclusion must be the first strategy in an integrated pest management program. Traditional insect pest management and exclusion techniques include: sanitation, using a double-door air-lock entrance, resistant cultivars, insect screening, insect scouting and crop monitoring, biological controls, and pesticide applications. However, research trials in 2006 and 2007 in Florida discovered a new strategy using metalized plastic mulch film around the exterior perimeter of the greenhouse. Research results showed a 10 fold reduction in silverleaf whitefly adults entering the greenhouse due to the application of metalized plastic mulch film to the ground around the exterior of the greenhouse.

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