Production and quality of Hami melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) and pest population of Thrips palmi in UV‐blocking film greenhouses

Abstract BACKGROUND Ultraviolet (UV) interferes with the vision, flight initiation, dispersal, host, and population dispersion of herbivorous insects. Hence, UV‐blocking film has recently been developed as one of the most potential tools to control pests under tropical greenhouse conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of UV‐blocking film on the population dynamics of Thrips palmi Karny and the growth status of Hami melon ( Cucumis melo var. reticulatus ) in greenhouses. RESULTS By comparing thrips populations in greenhouses covered with UV‐blocking films with those covered with ordinary polyethylene films, we found that the UV‐blocking film effectively reduced the thrips population within 1 week and continued to control the population, meanwhile the quality and yield of melon in UV‐blocking greenhouses also had a substantial increase. CONCLUSION The UV‐blocking film remarkably inhibited the population growth of thrips and greatly improved the yield of Hami melon cultivated in UV‐blocking greenhouse compared with the control greenhouse. Overall, UV‐blocking film is a very powerful potential tool for green pest control in the field, enhancing the quality of tropical fruits, and providing a new wind vane for sustainable green agriculture in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.