Pest and disease control by integrated pest management with gerberas is particularly useful because pesticide application is very difficult given the dense foliage. A new whitefly control method has been used with success by Gerbera growers in Holland. It centres on the insect Eretmocerus that parasitises whiteflies. It is introduced around week 8 at the rate of 2 Eretmocerus/mq. Parasite release sites are chosen close to the central path and at the end of the rows where the temperature tends to be higher, favouring faster reproduction. Introductions are continued until a good control is seen on the crop, normally 4-6 weeks later. Once Eretmocerus is well established in a crop it will continue to control whitefly throughout the summer and autumn. Compared to Encarsia, it gives better control during the hot summer month and it is also far less susceptible to sulphur (powdery mildew controlled with the use of one sulphur lamp per 500mq kills off Encarsia). Eretmocerus also demonstrates better resistance to many pesticides and is active against the whitefly species Bemisia tabaci. The new parasite is now available from BCP (Biological Crop Protection in England as loose pupae: 'Eetsure'(e) or in a 50-50 mix with Encarsia formosa: 'Enersure' (fe). The Company has also developed a new release system where the parasites are suspended in the crop in a ventilated tube. The product 'Eretsure' (ec) allow the parasites to hatch unhindered to disperse throughout the crop. Thrips are effectively controlled in the Gerbera crops by Amblyseius cucumeris and leafminer by the parasite Diglyphus isaea. Red spider mite is controlled using Feltiella acarisuga together with Phytoseiulus persimilis. The winged midge Feltiella is highly mobile and good at locating outbreaks os spider mite, often well in advance on the nurseries own monitoring system. The Eretmocerus, Diglyphus and Feltiella also quickly move across from the old crop onto the leaves of young plants to establish continuing pest control. "Commercial Greenhouse Grower". For more information contact Biological Crop Protection (BCP) in England or fax 0547 632244 biolab@bioplanet.it www.bioplanet.it