Closer allies: Impacts of non-chemical management on thrips and natural enemies in OH pepper production

Pepper production in the Midwest faces significant challenges from pests like thrips, prompting reliance on insecticides that escalate costs and resistance issues. While natural enemies offer a biological solution, they are negatively impacted by intensive insecticide programs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods like reduced fertility and colored mulches offer alternatives to thrips control and could substantially reduce the need for insecticidal input. However, the combined effects of reduced fertility programs and reflective mulch on thrips control have not been evaluated, and their impact on natural enemy preservation is poorly understood. This prompts research to fill this knowledge gap, which is essential for developing sustainable pest management practices in Midwest pepper production.