Pest control in protected vegetable cultivation in the near east region

Abstract EN

Protected vegetable cultivation in the Near East Region has markedly flourished during the last two decades.

Total area of vegetables grown under covers is estimated at 43000 hectares.

Incentives to such an expansion are simplicity and affordable price of structures used, availability of high yielding cultivars, local and foreign demand for off-season vegetables, and rewarding market prices.

Pest problems emerge after few years of cultivation as the main limiting factor for profitable production.

Pest problems are enhanced by repeated cultivation of the same or related crops, favourable environment provided by structures in use, and lack of sufficient research on pest control in protected cultivation.

Pest problems are mainly dealt with presently in the Near East Region through the use of pesticides.

The harmful side effects of such exercise are evident.

The paper reviews the circumstances which contribute to the pest problems in protected vegetable cultivation in the Near East Region and proposes strategies for development of integrated pest management programmes.