Current status and future prospects.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter focuses on the current status and future prospects of optical manipulation for protecting against arthropod pests, or enhancing the activity of beneficial arthropods. Optical manipulation by reflective sunlight is suitable for geographical regions that have a high intensity of direct sunlight during the periods of pest activity. The reflective effect should be maximized by facing the reflective targets to the sun at the time of peak arthropod activity. Optical manipulations with artificial lights are mainly suitable for high-technology, year-round greenhouse production. In these greenhouses, pests may be manipulated by changing the light quality, intensity and photoperiod. Currently, it is unlikely that optical manipulation by itself will provide sufficient protection for commercial crop production. Therefore, this technology should be integrated with physical, biological and chemical pest-control methods.