Economic and financial model to the mass-rearing of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Heteroptera: Miridae), a biological control agent against the tomato moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in protected culture

BACKGROUND

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major pest of tomato produced in glasshouses and open field, causing severe damages to crops, reducing the quality of tomato fruits. The current maintenance of the pest populations below the economic threshold is not achieved by natural and classical control, thus requiring the continuous application of biological control agents (BCAs), under an augmentative or inoculative approach. The present study aims to develop an economic and financial model to evaluate the commercial viability of a continuous mass production of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur), a BCA commonly used against the tomato moth, Tuta absoluta, in protected culture. The estimations for our model were based on two approaches: the farm-level impact analysis and the benefit–cost analysis.

RESULTS

The results of the farm-level analysis show that the adoption of a more sustainable biological control approach is profitable for farmers and the benefit–cost analysis provides evidence that the investment on a new factory dedicated to the mass rearing of M. pygmaeus to control tomato moth populations generates a positive net present value (NPV) of 7.2 million euros, corresponding to an internal rate of return (IRR) of 28.4% per year.

CONCLUSION

Our results are in line with (i) the more recent European Commission proposals for a new Regulation on sustainable use of plant protection products, which includes the reduction of 50% the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030 and (ii) most of the existing literature which conclude that new projects on BCA production are worth investments. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

The potential of entomopathogens in biological control of white grubs

Abstract

White grubs are highly polyphagous and most destructive soil pests inflicting damage to a wide variety of crops. In India, more than 1000 species of white grubs are known of which over 40 species attack wide range of plants. White grubs are naturally infected by various entomopathogens which include fungi, bacteria and nematodes. Entomopathogenic fungi offer great potential and members of genera Beauveria and Metarhizium are widely used against white grubs. Several commercial products of entomopathogenic fungi like Bio Green, ORY-X, Grub X 10G, Betel, Biotrol FMA and Meta-Guard have been developed for the control of white grubs. In India, good control of white grubs in paddy, ginger and sugarcane has been achieved with different entomofungi. Among EPNs, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is moderately effective against Popillia japonica and Rhizotrogus majalis. H. indica and H. bacteriophora are effective against potato white grubs in India. Paenibacillus popilliae cause milky disease in P. japonica grubs. The bacterium is pathogenic to Holotrichia consanguinea, H. serrata and Leucopholis lepidophora. In north-western Himalaya, B. cereus is highly toxic to the grubs of H. seticollis and Anomala dimidiata.     

Use of predatory mirids for control of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Sardinian greenhouse tomatoes

The introduction of Tuta absoluta in Sardinia (Italy) has caused an important increase in the number of insecticide treatments applied for pest management on greenhouse tomatoes, thus raising growers' demand for alternative control options. To evaluate the efficacy of releasing two specimens of Macrolophus pygmaeus or Nesidiocoris tenuis per m² for the control of tomato borer infestations, an investigation was conducted under field conditions between August 2010 and July 2011. The tests were carried out on 18 commercial greenhouse crops. Fifteen other greenhouses, where no biocontrol agents were released, were also surveyed as controls. The release of the mirid bugs resulted in poor population growth of predators, which reached a peak density of 1.79 individuals per plant. In approximately half of the cases, this was caused by the application of pesticides (usually abamectin and oxamyl) which are highly toxic to the predatory mirids. However, even in crops where only products regarded as harmless to beneficials were used (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis‐based insecticides), both M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis failed to achieve the levels necessary for effective pest control. Presumably factors other than pesticide‐related mortality contributed significantly to delaying mirid population build‐up. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the feasibility of improving the efficacy of releases of the predatory mirids by the implementation of measures that may contribute to enhancing the establishment of these beneficials on tomato crops.     

苹果蠹蛾生物防治技术的研究和应用进展

苹果蠹蛾Cydia pomonella（L.）是我国重要的检疫害虫,已经在我国新疆、甘肃、宁夏、内蒙古、黑龙江和吉林6个省区发现,对我国苹果产业构成了严重威胁。目前,我国苹果蠹蛾的主要防治方法仍旧是传统的化学防治。但考虑到安全性、环境影响和化学农药持久性等问题,人们开始重视采取害虫综合治理策略（IPM）,其中生物防治占有非常重要的地位。本文综述了国内外苏云金芽胞杆菌、白僵菌、颗粒体病毒、昆虫病原线虫和寄生蜂在苹果蠹蛾防治中的研究和应用情况。同时,针对生防技术在果园农业生态系统IPM防治体系中所发挥的作用也进行了探讨,包括目前亟待解决的问题和应用前景,以期为我国苹果蠹蛾防控策略的研究和应用提供参考。     

Prospects for the use of biological control agents against Anoplophora in Europe

This review summarises the literature on the biological control of Anoplophora spp. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and discusses its potential for use in Europe. Entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveria brongniartii Petch (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) has already been developed into a commercial product in Japan, and fungal infection results in high mortality rates. Parasitic nematodes: Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser have potential for use as biopesticides as an alternative to chemical treatments. Parasitoids: a parasitoid of Anoplophora chinensis Forster, Aprostocetus anoplophorae Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), was discovered in Italy in 2002 and has been shown to be capable of parasitising up to 72% of A. chinensis eggs; some native European parasitoid species (e.g. Spathius erythrocephalus) also have potential to be used as biological control agents. Predators: two woodpecker (Piciformis: Picidae) species that are native to Europe, Dendrocopos major Beicki and Picus canus Gmelin, have been shown to be effective at controlling Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky in Chinese forests. The removal and destruction of infested and potentially infested trees is the main eradication strategy for Anoplophora spp. in Europe, but biological control agents could be used in the future to complement other management strategies, especially in locations where eradication is no longer possible. © 2014 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

苏云金芽胞杆菌G033A对新发南美番茄潜叶蛾的室内毒力及田间防效

南美番茄潜叶蛾Tuta absoluta（Meyrick）是新近传入我国的一种世界毁灭性番茄害虫,对我国番茄产业的潜在威胁巨大。为有效控制南美番茄潜叶蛾,测定了新型苏云金芽胞杆菌基因工程菌G033A（Bt G033A）对该昆虫的室内毒力及田间防效。结果表明,在室内条件下,以32000 IU/mg Bt G033A WP处理过的番茄叶片饲喂南美番茄潜叶蛾幼虫,其室内毒力效果由高至底依次为4龄幼虫,3龄幼虫,1～2龄幼虫,致死中浓度LC₅₀分别为14.63、15.59和23.17 g/L;浓度在10 g/L及以上时,Bt G033A对南美番茄潜叶蛾各龄幼虫的毒力均较高,处理后96 h（第4 d）校正死亡率均超过90%。在田间条件下,以Bt G033A WP 100倍液（10 g/L）喷雾防治低龄幼虫即有较好的防效,药后第5 d对1龄和2龄幼虫的校正死亡率分别为89.1%和98.0%,药后第7 d对1龄和2龄幼虫的校正死亡率均为100%;并且,与常用的生物杀虫药剂鱼藤酮的防效相当。研究结果对有机蔬菜生产基地新发南美番茄潜叶蛾的有效控制及其综合防控方案制定,具有重要指导意义。     

Laboratory and field investigations using indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of Plutella xylostella in Kenya

This study was undertaken to determine the potential utility of entomopathogenic nematodes for management of diamondback moth (DBM) larvae in Kenya. Five Kenyan EPN isolates, Heterorhabditis indica, Steinernema karii, Steinernema weiseri, Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis taysearae were tested for their ability to penetrate DBM and their speed of kill (LT₅₀). Heterorhabditis indica and S. weiseri were found to have the quickest rate of kill and S. weiseri was found to have the largest proportion of nematodes penetrating. Three of the isolates, Steinernema sp. (95), S. weiseri and H. indica, were used in a field experiment to test their ability to reduce DBM populations and damage to kale. All three nematodes caused significant reductions in populations of DBM and DBM damage, with the population reductions being similar to those caused by application of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki. This study shows that EPNs have great potential that should be exploited in the management of DBM in Kenya.     

Within-plant distribution of the leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) immatures in processing tomatoes,with notes on plant phenology

Bacteria of the genus Serratia are often associated with insects, often carry distinctive pigments and can be readily isolated onto diagnostic selective media. Bacterial marking of parasitoids has been used in studies to determine rate of oviposition and host acceptance, and it provides a rapid indication of ovipositor penetration. The technique has been applied to parasitoid-weevil and parasitoid-lepidoptera interactions. Bacterial marking has the potential to be used in parasitoid dispersal studies and its use in IPM is discussed.     

An immunological method for granulovirus detection in larvae of Tuta absoluta: searching for isolates with prospects for biological control of this pest in Colombia

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta is an important insect pest of tomato crops worldwide. Biological control using entomopathogenic viruses such as isolates of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV) can be a promising tool for suitably controlling this pest. However to date, few viral isolates from T. absoluta have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an economic, fast and accurate immunological technique for granulovirus detection and to evaluate viral presence in T. absoluta larvae from field samples collected in Colombia. Polyclonal antibodies against PhopGV were produced by using hens and rabbits. The production system in hen was selected as the most efficient and simple method. Then, a dot-blot test was developed, demonstrating the ability of antibodies to recognize granulovirus. Finally, granulovirus presence in 1186 T. absoluta larvae collected in the most important tomato production areas in Colombia was evaluated, and eight isolates were found in Boyacá and Cundinamarca (0.7% of occurrence). These results constitute the first report of a granulovirus isolated from T. absoluta larvae which had been naturally infected in Colombia's tomato producing-fields, and thereby validates the use of the immunological technique to detect granulovirus in field conditions.     

The development of integrated pest management for the control of mushroom sciarid flies,Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) and Bradysia ocellaris (Comstock), in cultivated mushrooms

Mushrooms are susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can cause serious crop loss. Effective pest and pathogen control is a very important factor for the maintenance of efficient production of cultivated mushrooms. Integrated pest management in mushrooms is reliant upon four main principals/elements: sanitation, exclusion, monitoring and pest control. Bradysia ocellaris (Comstock) and Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) (Diptera: Sciaridae) are major pests of cultivated mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. These pests cause losses in yield through larval damage of the compost, mycelium and sporophores, and affect the structural features of the compost itself. Adult flies of these species also act as vectors for the introduction of mites and fungal diseases in cultivated mushrooms. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Managing the risk of insect resistance to transgenic insect control traits: practical approaches in local environments

BACKGROUND: Growers have enthusiastically embraced crops genetically modified to express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for insect control because they provide excellent protection from key damaging insect pests around the world. Bt crops also offer superior environmental and health benefits while increasing grower income. However, insect resistance development is an important concern for all stakeholders, including growers, technology providers and seed companies that develop these genetically modified crops. Given the marked benefits associated with Bt crops, insect resistance management (IRM) must be a consideration when cultivating these crops. RESULTS: The technical data and practical experience accumulated with Bt crops in many global regions can inform different aspects of resistance management leading to robust, science‐based IRM plans. A range of elements should be considered in assembling any IRM strategy, including: pest biology/ecology, product deployment patterns, local cropping systems, insect susceptibility monitoring, stakeholder/grower communications, and a remedial action plan should resistance develop. Each of these elements is described in more detail, with specific examples of how these elements can be combined and tailored to the local/regional environments and grower practices. CONCLUSION: IRM plans need to be suitable for the given production situation. What works for large monoculture production systems in North America is unlikely to be appropriate for the small, more diverse agriculture of southeast Asia or Africa. Though it is clear that Bt crops impart considerable value to growers, it is also clear that it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to preserve Bt proteins for the long‐term benefits they provide. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gastrophysa atrocyanae (Col: Chrysomelidae), an agent for biological control of the dock,Rumex japonicus (Polygonaceae) in China

Abstract

The biology and host specificity of the beetle, Gastrophysa atrocyanea Motch were studied in the laboratory in Nanchang, China. This univoltine insect completed its immature stage in 32–39 days with adult overwintering in soil. A total of 35 plant species from 21 families were tested. Both larvae and adults attacked Rumex japonicus and Rumex acetosa with R. japonicus the main host. Larvae also attacked two Polygonum species, P. hydropiper and P. perfoliatum. But the adults are not concurrent with the two Polygonum species. Though oviposition occurred on five other plant species, none of them supported larval development. Field observations showed that G. atrocyanae caused a progressive decline in natural R. japonicus populations. Thus it is recommended as a valuable biological agent for this weed.     

黑龙江省嫩江地区亚洲玉米螟发生动态及利用赤眼蜂防治研究

为明确气候变暖下亚洲玉米螟发生趋势,连续3年调查了黑龙江省嫩江县亚洲玉米螟越冬代成虫羽化进度和发生高峰期,同时应用松毛虫赤眼蜂防治嫩江县3个农场玉米田中玉米螟,结果表明,2014年亚洲玉米螟成虫出现的高峰期比2012年和2013年有所提前。释放赤眼蜂后玉米植株的被害率、折雄率、残虫率以及钻蛀率较未放蜂田均降低,玉米产量增加,防治效果明显。大西江农场、尖山农场和嫩北农场赤眼蜂防治效果分别为60%、66.7%和56.7%,比未放蜂田产量分别提高39.1、47.6和67.0 kg/667 m~2。3个农场平均防治效果为61.1%,产量平均提高51.2 kg/667 m~2。释放赤眼蜂防治玉米螟对提高玉米产量和品质、挽回经济损失,保护生态环境具有重要意义。     

An auto-contamination trap-strips system for biological control of Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an invasive pest in China

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is a major invasive pest in China, where it seriously threatens fruit and ornamental trees and windbreak systems. An auto-contamination trap-strips system was designed to disseminate Beauveria bassiana for biological control. The standard trap consisted of a yellow or green trap with a width no larger than 30 cm and with B. bassiana inside it. Therefore, the trap-strips provided an appropriate microenvironment for the fall webworm to pupate, and an acceptable humidity for B. bassiana to infect and reproduce. The average infection rates of the trap-strips systems were more than 90%. The present study demonstrated a practical application of how physical and biological control of this pest can be conducted efficiently and economically.