CIT (Intelligent Control of Thermography)

Unlike the situation in covered vegetable crops, biological pest control in ornamental plant production is not yet implemented on a significant scale in SE Spain. There is a growing consumer demand for residue-free plants. Pest resistance to the most commonly used active ingredients is developing.

The Task Force aims to promote the use of auxiliary fauna as an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides on ornamental plants. Due to the diversity of ornamental plant species, work protocols and the selection of biological control agents must be adapted to each particular situation. Integrated control protocols will be established for the production of the most widely cultivated species, such as Dipladenia, Hybiscus and Poinsettia.

Pilot projects will be carried out in commercial and experimental greenhouses, with a dissemination plan aimed at all producers in the area. In Andalusia, there are approximately 350 hectares of greenhouses dedicated to the production of ornamental plants.