PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN GREENHOUSE FARMING – COMPLETE GUIDE FOR GROWERS

Net house farming in protected cultivation has become a preferred choice for Indian farmers cultivating high-value crops like cucumber and capsicum. With better control over microclimate, protection from extreme
weather, and year-round production possibilities, net houses provide farmers a way to improve
both yield and profitability.
However, one of the challenges that farmers face inside protected structure is the management of
pests and diseases. Even a small outbreak of insect pests or fungal infection can spread rapidly in
the controlled environment, leading to reduced yield, poor quality produce, and economic losses.
This makes a well-planned pest and disease management program essential for long-term
success.

Pest Management Necessity
 Favorable conditions: The warm and humid climate inside net houses is ideal not only
for crops but also for pests like whiteflies, thrips, and mites.
 Dense planting: Higher plant density creates a micro-environment where fungal diseases
such as powdery mildew and downy mildew thrive.
 Continuous cropping: Year-round cultivation without crop breaks can lead to buildup of
pests and pathogens in the structure.
 Market standards: Premium crops like cucumber and capsicum must meet high-quality
standards, and pest damage or blemishes can drastically lower market value.

Common Pests in Cucumber and Capsicum Net Houses

1. Whiteflies – Cause direct feeding damage and spread viral diseases like Yellow Vein
   Mosaic.
2. Thrips – Lead to leaf curling, silvering, and act as carriers of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
   (TSWV).
3. Aphids – Multiply rapidly and transmit several mosaic viruses.
4. Red Spider Mites – Cause yellow speckling on leaves, leading to reduced
   photosynthesis.
5. Fruit Borers (in capsicum) – Bore into fruits, making them unmarketable.
   Major Diseases Affecting Cucumber and Capsicum
    Powdery Mildew – White fungal growth on leaves, common in humid conditions.
    Downy Mildew – Yellow patches on leaves, leading to rapid defoliation.
    Bacterial Wilt – Sudden wilting of plants without yellowing of leaves.
    Anthracnose – Dark sunken spots on fruits, reducing market quality.
    Mosaic Virus – Transmitted by pests, leading to mottled and stunted plants.
   Preventative Measures: Building the First Line of Defense
6. Resistant Varieties
   o Disease-resistant hybrids of cucumber and capsicum suitable for Indian
   conditions.
   o For cucumbers, opt for varieties tolerant to downy mildew. For capsicum, select
   hybrids resistant to viruses.
7. Soil and Bed Preparation
   o Use solarization or sterilization of soil before planting to kill pathogens.
   o Incorporate well-decomposed organic manure and bio-control agents like
   Trichoderma to suppress soil-borne diseases.
   
   Cultural Practices: Keeping the Environment Unfavorable for Pests
    Crop Rotation: Avoid planting cucumber or capsicum continuously in the same net
   house. Rotate with non-solanaceous or non-cucurbit crops.
    Sanitation: Regularly remove weeds, infected plants, and crop residues that act as
   breeding grounds for pests.
    Balanced Fertilization (Pioneer Agritech Approach):
   At Pioneer Agritech Solutions, our in-house agronomy team emphasizes the right mix
   of nutrition to maintain both yield and food safety. Instead of relying only on heavy
   chemical doses, we recommend a balanced program that combines:
   o Chemical fertilizers in precise doses for targeted nutrient supply.
   o Organic amendments such as compost, bio-fertilizers, and neem cake.
   o Biological agents like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens for disease
   suppression.
   This integrated approach ensures healthy plants, safer produce, and minimal
   toxicity for consumers, while also sustaining soil health for the long term.
    Irrigation Management: Overhead irrigation increases humidity and disease risk. Drip
   irrigation with fertigation is recommended.
   
   Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Protected Farming
8. Regular Monitoring
   o Install yellow and blue sticky traps for monitoring whiteflies and thrips.
   o Conduct weekly scouting to check for early signs of infestation.
9. Biological Control
   o Release ladybird beetles, predatory mites, and parasitic wasps to control sucking
   pests.
   o Use bio-pesticides like neem-based formulations.
10. Physical Methods
    o Light traps at night to attract and kill flying insects.
    o Sticky bands on stems to prevent crawling pests.
    
    Chemical Control: When and How to Use Safely
    While eco-friendly methods should be prioritized, sometimes chemical sprays are necessary to
    prevent major crop loss.
     Choose selective pesticides with low toxicity to beneficial insects.
     Rotate chemicals with different modes of action to prevent resistance.
     Follow the recommended dose and waiting period before harvesting to ensure food
    safety.
    
    Conclusion
    Protected farming of cucumber and capsicum in India offers farmers a chance to achieve higher
    yields, better quality, and consistent market supply. However, without effective pest and disease
    management, the benefits of net houses can quickly turn into losses.
    By combining preventative design measures, good cultural practices, integrated pest
    management, and Pioneer Agritech’s balanced nutrition strategy, farmers can grow safer,
    healthier, and more profitable crops.
    At Pioneer Agritech Solutions, our in-house agronomy team is dedicated to guiding farmers
    with customized solutions—ranging from structure installation to crop-specific advisory,
    fertilizer management, and pest control programs.
    
    Connect with Pioneer Agritech Solutions today and take the first step toward building a
    sustainable, profitable future in protected cultivation.