Pheromone traps are an effective biotechnical control method used to attract and monitor pest insects. These traps contain special compounds that mimic the chemical pheromones released by pests. As a result, the target pest species are attracted to the trap and their population density can be monitored.

Pheromone traps are widely used in the management of many pest species, including the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), codling moth (Cydia pomonella), tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), and cotton leafworm.

Sticky traps are practical monitoring tools widely used to quickly detect pest flight activity and population levels. Pheromone traps, on the other hand, are species-specific and allow for more precise and targeted monitoring

Biological control is an environmentally friendly pest management method used in agricultural production to combat harmful insects, mites, and plant diseases through the use of natural enemies such as beneficial insects, predators, parasitoids, and microorganisms. This approach aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and plays an important role inorganic farming, greenhouse production, protected cultivation, and sustainable agricultural practices.

In biological control,beneficial insects naturally suppress target pest species while helping maintain ecological balance. This method is one of the key components ofIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) systems and offers a long-term, cost-effective, and sustainable solution.

Who is it suitable for?

• Producers engaged inorganic farming

• Agricultural enterprises aiming toreduce chemical residue risks

• Growers involved ingreenhouse and protected cultivation

• Export-oriented producers with strict residue standards

• Agricultural companies focused onsustainable and environmentally friendly production

Biological control is particularly effective against common agricultural pests such aswhiteflies, thrips, spider mites, aphids, andTuta absoluta. When applied with proper timing and regular monitoring, it provides ahigh level of pest control success.

InTürkiye, when biological and biotechnical pest control methods are used, producers can both reduce production costs and benefit fromgovernment support programs. These incentives are provided by theMinistry of Agriculture and Forestry to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in pest management and to protect environmental and human health.

According to theCommuniqué on Supporting Biological and/or Biotechnical Control in Plant Production, published in2023, producers may receive different types of support depending on the application method:

• Higher support per decare for greenhouse production usingpheromone + trap systems

• Lower support for applications usingpheromones only

• Area-based support for open-field production usingpheromone + trap systems orpheromones alone

Although the actual cost of biological control methods varies depending on the product or service used, the government providesfinancial support per decare to encourage adoption of these practices.

• These subsidies allow producers tooffset a significant portion of the biological control costs.

• To benefit from the support program, production must beregistered in the Farmer Registration System (ÇKS) or Greenhouse Registration System (ÖKS) and the applications must bedocumented with official invoices.