Biological control of aphids on capsicum1

During four growing periods from 1986 to 1989, biological pest control on capsicum was investigated in glasshouses under practical conditions. Aphids, mainly Myzus persicae, caused the most serious pest problems. As biological control agents, the commercially available predatory gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza and the green lacewing Chrysoperla curnea were used. Both these natural enemies were released according to the recommendations of the producers. For the releases of the gall midges, small peat samples containing the pupae of the predator were placed at a few spots in the glasshouse (1–2 pupae per m²). The lacewings were introduced as eggs on small mesh-pieces which were placed on every second plant (10–20 eggs per m²). In these experiments, control of the aphid populations was effective only if the two predators were introduced early and were released several times. During the summer, other natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, syrphids, ladybirds and predatory bugs immigrated from outdoors and enhanced the biological control of aphids.     

A three‐year field study on the short‐term effects of insecticides used to control cereal aphids on plant‐dwelling aphid predators in winter wheat

Short‐term effects of six insecticides used to control aphids were assessed in wheat on plant‐dwelling aphid predators. Products were applied to small plots of winter wheat in June or at the beginning of July and the densities of predators were estimated three days after treatment using a beating method. Insecticides were tested in 1994, 1995 and 1997 at a single dose, corresponding to their maximum recommended field rate in Belgium. Fluvalinate and esfenvalerate did not significantly reduce catches of syrphid larvae compared to the control but ladybirds were affected by these compounds. Pirimicarb was the only product tested that had no effect on ladybirds. However, syrphid larvae appeared sensitive to this product. Cyfluthrin, deltamethrin and phosalone reduced catches of both syrphids and ladybirds. Populations of lacewing larvae were unaffected by any of the insecticide treatments. Syrphid larvae were the most abundant aphid predator and Episyrphus balteatus the most common species. Ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) were less numerous and only a few Chrysoperla carnea larvae were recorded. These results indicate that products that are less toxic to syrphid larvae, like esfenvalerate and fluvalinate, may be preferable to other compounds to control cereal aphids in wheat in spring and early summer. However, other criteria, such as the effectiveness of the different aphid‐specific predators, cost, efficacy of the treatment and side effects on other aphid antagonists (including parasitic hymenoptera and polyphagous predators) must also be taken into consideration. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Weiße Fliege an Schnittgerbera: Biologische Bekämpfung mit Schlupfwespe oder Raubmilbe?

Biological control of the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum on cut Gerbera under protected conditions is still risky. Up to now the parasitoids Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus are the most frequently used antagonists to control this pest. Additionally, the recently rediscovered predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii is promoted efficient beneficial especially for whitefly control. We conducted a series of experiments to characterize and compare the efficiency of these beneficials under greenhouse conditions. Therefore, we infested gerbera plants artificially with start populations of whiteflies and released parasitoids or the predatory mite in separate experimental units. Treatments without release of antagonists served as control. Results show that parasitoids as well as predatory mites led to a sufficient whitefly control. After release of the recently promoted predatory mite A. swirskii we found no whitefly larvae on the gerbera plants throughout the experimental time. In contrast, after release of the parasitoid species Encarsia formosa or Eretmocerus eremicus whitefly larvae were frequently found on the plants at least in the beginning of the experiments. Nevertheless parasitized whitefly larvae were detected soon after parasitoid introduction and whitefly population build up was not observed. In conclusion, all tested beneficials are valuable antagonists for whitefly control in cut gerbera. Therefore, either time consuming intensive monitoring of whitefly infestation level or preventive antagonist release is obligate in cut gerbera. Biological control strategies for gerbera production are discussed in detail.     

昆虫病原真菌和捕食螨间的互作关系及二者联合应用研究进展

昆虫病原真菌和捕食螨是害虫治理中的两类重要生防作用物。由于二者在控害方式上存在互补性,其联合应用对害虫防治具有潜在的增效作用。然而,昆虫病原真菌与捕食螨是否兼容一直存在争议,二者在田间的联合应用受到限制。本文总结了昆虫病原真菌和捕食螨的互作关系、二者联合应用的现状,并对存在的问题和未来发展方向进行了探讨。     

Review of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coenosia attenuata</Emphasis> Stein and its first record as a predator of important greenhouse pests in Turkey

Greenhouses in Turkey under integrated pest management can be colonized by a high number predatory flies of the species Coenosia attenuata Stein, 1903 (Muscidae: Coenosia Meigen, 1826). Studies have shown that Coenosia predators do not simply colonize greenhouses from the outside for short periods but instead they are able to complete their developmental cycle in the greenhouse soil and can become established there for a long period of time. C. attenuata is indigenous to the Palaeotropical region. Its prey spectrum includes whiteflies, black fungus gnats and leaf-mining flies. Studies of the natural occurrence of these predaceous flies in greenhouses led to a recognition of the significance of this complex of beneficials for the control of important greenhouse pests. They can build up effective populations under greenhouse conditions, and as non-specific predators can feed on a variety of pest groups and on innocuous species.     

东亚小花蝽携带绿僵菌防控西花蓟马和烟粉虱的效果评价

天敌昆虫和生防菌的联合应用对害虫防控具有潜在的增效作用。东亚小花蝽Orius sauteri是目前常用的捕食性天敌之一, 被广泛用于温室蓟马、粉虱等害虫的防治。金龟子绿僵菌Metarhizium anisopliae寄主广泛, 可有效防治多种温室害虫, 且相对安全。为探索东亚小花蝽与金龟子绿僵菌联用的控害效果, 本文在室内和田间条件下研究了二者对烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci和西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis的协同控害作用。室内测定结果表明, 绿僵菌孢子悬浮液浓度不大于5×107孢子/mL时, 不会对东亚小花蝽5龄若虫的存活和羽化造成负面影响。室内与温室笼罩条件下, 东亚小花蝽携带绿僵菌的处理能够降低辣椒上的西花蓟马和烟粉虱发生量, 表明东亚小花蝽携带绿僵菌可提高对西花蓟马和烟粉虱的防治效果, 证明了天敌昆虫和生防菌联合应用的可行性, 为生物防治方式多元化应用与推广提供了实践指导。     

捕食性天敌控害能力评价方法进展

生物防治在害虫治理中的作用日益凸显,捕食性天敌对害虫猎物的捕食作用作为生物防治的主要组成部分,其捕食效果评价不可或缺。定性或定量评价捕食性天敌的控害作用是生物防治研究的一项重要内容。传统的捕食性定量方法研究大都局限于室内开展,与田间昆虫天敌的实际捕食量有所出入。昆虫分子生物学技术的发展为昆虫定量评价提供了支持,本文全面总结了农业生产科学研究中常用的捕食性昆虫定量评价方法,详细阐述了这些评价方法的原理、方法及应用实例,并进一步提出在未来的研究中应该扬长避短,根据试验对象的生物习性、试验条件的影响因素、试验目的的要求,将不同方法结合起来发挥各自优点,使捕食者捕食猎物的定量评价结果更能接近田间发生的实际情况。这些方法和技术将有助于更好地发挥自然天敌的控害作用,有效开展害虫生态调控,进一步推动生物防治相关方法的创新与应用。     

Adaptation of native syrphid flies to new exotic plant (Impatiens spp.)-aphidant associations in Central Europe (Dipt., Syrphidae; Hom., Aphididae; Hym., Formicidae)

Impatiens parviflora andI. glandulifera, two invasive touchme-not species of exotic origin were found to be associated with two aphid groups in Central Europe: a) Exotic species subsequently following their invasive plant hosts (Impatientinum asiaticum Nevsky), b) native species secondarily adapted to the new exotic hosts (Aphis fabae cirsiiacanthoidis Scop.). The species number (listed) of associated syrphid flies in the newly developed guilds was rather high, consisting of broadly oligophagous species. The plant phenology and adaptation of the aphids have resulted in associations which apparently represent seasonally significant sources of prey, their importance apparently increasing with the decreasing season. Antattendance was determined in both aphid species, and no adverse interference with the preying syrphid larvae was observed. In spite of an overall classification of the target plants as expansive weeds, they are classified positively as contributing to the enhancement of syrphid fly populations in the biocorridors in the cultivated landscape.     

Attraction of Chrysoperla carnea complex and Chrysopa spp. lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to aphid sex pheromone components and a synthetic blend of floral compounds in Hungary

BACKGROUND: The deployment of synthetic attractants for the manipulation of lacewing populations as aphid predators is currently used in integrated pest management. This study investigates a synthetic bait comprising floral compounds previously found to attract the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and, for the first time, the aphid sex pheromone components (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactol and (4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactone, in field experiments in Hungary, for their ability to manipulate lacewing populations. RESULTS: The synthetic floral bait attracted both sexes of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and Chrysopa formosa Brauer showed minimal attraction. The aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted males of C. formosa and C. pallens (Rambur). When the two baits were combined, Chrysopa catches were similar to those with aphid sex pheromone baits alone, but carnea complex catches decreased significantly (by 85–88%). CONCLUSION: As the floral bait alone attracted both sexes of the carnea complex, it showed potential to manipulate the location of larval density via altering the site of oviposition. Aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted predatory males of Chrysopa spp. and can potentially be used to enhance biological control of aphids. For the carnea complex, however, a combination of both baits is not advantageous because of the decrease in adults attracted. Assumptions of intraguild avoidance underlying this phenomenon are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Three years of banning neonicotinoid insecticides based on sub‐lethal effects: can we expect to see effects on bees?

The 2013 EU ban of three neonicotinoids used in seed coating of pollinator attractive crops was put in place because of concern about declining wild pollinator populations and numbers of honeybee colonies. It was also concluded that there is an urgent need for good field data to fill knowledge gaps. In the meantime such data have been generated. Based on recent literature we question the existence of recent pollinator declines and their possible link with the use of neonicotinoids. Because of temporal non‐coincidence we conclude that declines of wild pollinators and of honeybees are not likely caused by neonicotinoids. Even if bee decline does occur and if there is a causal relationship with the use of neonicotinoids, we argue that it is not possible on such short term to evaluate the effects of the 2013 ban. In order to supply future debate with realistic (field) data and to discourage extrapolating the effects of studies using overdoses that are not of environmental relevance, we propose – in addition to field studies performed by the chemical industry – to use the ‘semi‐field worst case’ treated artificial diet studies approach to free flying colonies in the field. This kind of study may provide realistic estimates for risk and be useful to study realistic interactions with non‐pesticide stressors. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

The potential use of allicin as a biopesticide for the control of the house fly,Musca domestica L.

The house fly, Musca domestica L., is a widespread pest of intensively reared livestock, where its presence negatively affects growth and productivity through the irritation their activity causes. Furthermore, adult flies mechanically vector a wide range of animal and human pathogens and, as such, pose a health risk to both livestock and people. The development of resistance in M. domestica populations to most of the insecticides used against them, coupled with diminishing product availability in many regions, means that new fly control methods and materials are constantly required. In the present study, a formulation of allicin, a compound derived from garlic cloves, was evaluated against the eggs, larvae and adults of Musca domestica L.. An in-diet LD₅₀ of 134 ppm against larvae was achieved, whilst marked ovicidal activity was also recorded. Adults were similarly affected when exposed directly and indirectly to surface residues of the compound. The results indicate that allicin exhibits potential to be used against filth flies through incorporation into their developmental substrates and, potentially, for the control of other economically important dipteran pests.     

Testing banker plants for biological control of mites on roses

We tested whether plant species used in a banker plant system influence the success of a biological control program with predatory mites. Banker plants (BP) may sustain a reproducing population of predators and provide long-term pest suppression. In an experiment lasting 12 weeks, we analyzed the responses of the predatory mite Amblyseius californicus and the pest mite Tetranychus urticae to eight species of potential BP with different morphological structures. Every BP was paired with a rose plant and infested with pest and predatory mites. The measured parameters were vitality and growth of the plants and numbers of predators, pests and their eggs. Reproduction and establishment of the pest and predatory mites differed among plant species as well as plant growth and vitality. Vitis riparia and Viburnum tinus were the most efficient BP in this combination of pest–predator species. Their presence resulted in best health of the rose crops, highest number of predatory mites and lowest number of pests. Both these BP possess domatia which may be responsible for the efficiency in hosting predatory mites. Overall, the species which fulfilled the requirements of a BP best was the local shrub V, tinus, which bore no pests and a very large number of predators and has a compact growth form suited for application in greenhouses. Although our study gives only evidence for an artificial system with a high BP:crop ratio, high numbers of introduced predators and short distances between plants, this study contributes to knowledge of BP systems and to improve the understanding of the criteria for the choice of local plant species to be used as BP for biological control in IPM.     

Epidemiological survey of Phthorimaea operculella granulosis virus in Tunisia

In Tunisia, Phthorimaea operculella is an important pest in traditional, unrefrigerated potato stores. An integrated control approach including the use of biological control agents and specifically insect viruses is being developed. From this perspective, we carried out a screening and an evaluation of local Phthorimaea operculella granulosis virus naturally present in Tunisian pest populations. On the basis of symptomatology, P. operculella larvae were collected from different regions (North, Cap Bon, Sahel). Indirect ELISA using a serum raised against the purified Tunisian isolate of the virus was used to establish the geographical distribution of the virus. Comparison of the two approaches showed that symptomatology is not so virus-specific, as morphologically healthy insects were sometimes ELISA-positive. The serological technique therefore gives better detection of the virus.     

捕食螨的抗药性研究进展

抗药性捕食螨的应用是IPM中生防和化防相结合的重要措施之一。本文综述了农药对捕食螨的影响、捕食螨抗药性现状、抗药性机制、抗药性监测方法、交互抗性及遗传改良等,并介绍了抗药性捕食螨的应用现状及前景,旨在充分保护和利用捕食螨,使生物防治与化学防治有机结合。     

丽草蛉三龄幼虫对斜纹夜蛾卵及低龄幼虫的捕食作用

为探明丽草蛉对斜纹夜蛾的捕食作用,本研究在室内测定了丽草蛉3龄幼虫对斜纹夜蛾卵和低龄幼虫的捕食能力及其功能反应。结果表明,丽草蛉3龄幼虫对斜纹夜蛾的卵及1龄、2龄和3龄幼虫均表现出积极捕食行为和较强的捕食能力,其捕食功能反应符合Holling II型,模型可信度较高。猎物的龄期和密度能显著影响丽草蛉的捕食能力,随斜纹夜蛾龄期增大,丽草蛉3龄幼虫的日均最大捕食量、对猎物的攻击系数和控害效能均显著下降,但对猎物的处理时间明显延长;当斜纹夜蛾密度增加时,丽草蛉3龄幼虫的捕食效率逐渐下降。综合各项捕食作用参数,丽草蛉3龄幼虫对斜纹夜蛾卵的捕食能力最高,其理论日最大捕食量为313.7粒,控害效能为23.5;其次是对斜纹夜蛾1龄幼虫,其理论日最大捕食量为130.5头,控害效能为9.9。本研究结果证实了丽草蛉是斜纹夜蛾卵和低龄幼虫的重要天敌,且具较高的控害潜能,可用于斜纹夜蛾的生物防治。     

Impact of control strategies on Thrips tabaci and its predator Aeolothrips intermedius on onion crops

Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a major pest of onion worldwide. In 2011, research was conducted in a commercial onion field in northwestern Italy to: (i) assess the presence of autochthonous onion thrips predators on the crop; and (ii) evaluate the impact of the commonly used insecticides and alternative pest management strategies on onion thrips and its autochthonous predators. Toxicity of the active ingredients on local populations of onion thrips and its predatory thrips was also evaluated in laboratory bioassays. During field surveys, the highest and lowest thrips infestations were observed in plots treated with lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad, respectively. The effectiveness of spinosad on T. tabaci was also confirmed in laboratory bioassays. The dominant zoophagous species Aeolothrips intermedius (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) was more adversely affected by treatment with lambda-cyhalothrin, confirmed by a decrease in predator/prey ratios. The use of spinosad and acibenzolar-S-methyl is suggested as an alternative to conventional insecticides for the preservation of A. intermedius, which proved to be a potential biological control agent of T. tabaci.     

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service research on biological control of arthropods

During 1999-2001, ARS scientists published over 100 papers on more than 30 species of insect pest and 60 species of predator and parasitoid. These papers address issues crucial to the three strategies of biological control: conservation, augmentation and introduction. Conservation biological control includes both conserving extant populations of natural enemies by using relatively non-toxic pesticides and increasing the abundance of natural enemies in crops by providing or improving refuges for population growth and dispersal into crops. ARS scientists have been very active in determining the effects of pesticides on beneficial arthropods and in studying movement of natural enemies from refuges into crops. Augmentation involves repeated releases of natural enemies in the field, which can be inoculative or inundative. Inoculative releases are used to initiate self-propagating populations at times or in places where they would be slow to colonize. ARS scientists have studied augmentative biological control of a variety of pest insects. The targets are mostly pests in annual crops or other ephemeral habitats, where self-reproducing populations of natural enemies are not sufficiently abundant early enough to keep pest populations in check. ARS research in augmentative biological control centers on methods for rearing large numbers of healthy, effective natural enemies and for releasing them where and when they are needed at a cost less than the value of the reduction in damage to the crop. ARS scientists have researched various aspects of introductions of exotic biological control agents against a diversity of pest insects. The major issues in biological control introductions are accurate identification and adequate systematics of both natural enemies and target pests, exploration for natural enemies, predicting the success of candidates for introduction and the likelihood of non-target impacts, quarantine and rearing methods, and post-introduction evaluation of establishment, control and non-target impacts. ARS scientists have published research on several general issues in biological control. Among the most important are the mechanisms affecting mate- and host-finding and host specificity.     

昆虫病原线虫生物防控草地贪夜蛾的室内及田间效果和影响因素

联合国粮食及农业组织2018年向全球发布草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda是重要的预警害虫。据报道,2019年我国已有26个省（区、市）的作物受到草地贪夜蛾为害。目前已经发现草地贪夜蛾幼虫对某些化学农药产生抗性的现象,为缓解其抗药性产生,具有主动寻找寄主害虫的昆虫病原线虫为草地贪夜蛾的生物防治提供了应用潜能。该文从昆虫病原线虫高效侵染种（品系）及其浓度、共生菌、草地贪夜蛾幼虫易感龄期、田间致死力及影响防控效果的因素等方面进行综述,以期为田间有效利用昆虫病原线虫防治草地贪夜蛾提供参考。     

龟纹瓢虫生物生态学特性及饲养利用研究进展

龟纹瓢虫Propylaeajaponica(Thunberg)是我国干旱、半干旱地区农林果蔬生产中重要的捕食性天敌之一,尤其在夏季高温、干旱的情况下,对果园、棉田的幼龄(小)害虫和卵的捕食作用非常明显。本文从龟纹瓢虫的生物学和生态学特性,包括色斑变型、生活史、繁殖、食性、越冬、人工饲养、田间动态以及在生物防治上的应用等方面概述了龟纹瓢虫的研究进展,提出进一步深入开展龟纹瓢虫的人工饲养技术、贮藏技术和色斑变型遗传机制等的研究,不仅可以更好地为农业生产服务,而且可以充实昆虫生态位理论的研究内容。     

State of the art regarding carrot fly control in practice and possibilities in the future for Western and Northern Europe1

The carrot fly (Psila rosae) is a major pest of umbelliferous crops, particularly in carrot production. This pest is present in temperate regions of Northern and Western Europe and also in the warm and dry climate of Central and Southern Europe. Currently, control strategies are limited and there may be a bottleneck of pest control solutions in the future. In practice, growers in the Netherlands mainly rely on a commercial, supervised control system which monitors the carrot fly population pressure. Possibilities to control the carrot fly after exceeding an economical threshold are reduced due to a lack of efficient chemical insecticides. Another option is the use of seed treatment to protect the carrots against the larvae developed from the first flight of the carrot flies for 12–14 weeks after sowing. The state of the art of the carrot fly pest and control possibilities are hereby discussed. Bottlenecks in control of carrot flies are highlighted and described.