Practicing biological control using macroorganisms
Presentation
Characterization of the technique
Description of the technique :
Information originally from the Practical guide for the design of vegetable cropping systems economical in plant protection products (2014) / Technical sheet T11. For more information: see link
Principle
This biological control technique consists of releasing beneficial organisms (insects or mites) to control populations of pests by predation (beneficial organisms killing and eating their prey during their life) or parasitism (beneficial organisms developing at the expense of a single host leading to its death, also called parasitoids).
Example of implementation :
Example of application
One of the most widespread examples in vegetable systems (mainly on tomato crops) is the use of Macrolophus pygmaeus, a predatory bug against the greenhouse whitefly.
This predator mainly targets the eggs and larvae of the greenhouse whitefly, but it also has a secondary effect on eggs and young larvae of Tuta absoluta, butterfly eggs, red spider mites, thrips, aphids.
The introduction of Macrolophus pygmaeus in a greenhouse is done by sprinkling the material on the leaves in groups of at least 50 individuals creating between 6 to 10 distribution points per aisle. The piles (maximum thickness of 2 cm) must be distributed so that the predatory bugs can easily move away.
The release points are marked to manage defoliation. Indeed, care must be taken not to remove leaves where eggs have been inserted before the Macrolophus hatch.
The first release is recommended at the beginning of the crop, if possible 0.5 to 1 individual/m² at each application, then should be renewed 2 to 3 times with a minimum interval of 7 to 14 days. Additional releases can be made in risk or infested areas.
Under certain conditions, releases are made in nurseries (e.g. for tomatoes under soil-covered greenhouses in the southeast) to promote earlier and better distribution.
Regarding application conditions, it is advised to prefer introductions at the end of the day (avoid strong light).
The release must be done quickly after delivery. Before use, the product must be stored at a temperature between 8 and 10 °C, in the dark and not exceed 1 to 2 days. Respect the conditions given by the supplier.
Details on the technique :
Depending on the macroorganisms and use, this lever is generally mobilized at low to very low levels of pests populations (or even preventively, e.g. Macrolophus nursery).
Regular observation of crops is very important as it allows quick detection of attack onset, and maximum effectiveness is often reached when intervention occurs at the first signs of pest appearance.
Temperature conditions (and sometimes humidity or light) to be respected for releases in crops depend on the macroorganism.
The doses and frequency of release vary depending on the macroorganism, the targeted pest, and the degree of crop attack.
Implementation period On established crop
Spatial scale of implementation Plot
Application of the technique to...
All crops : Easily generalizable
Easily generalizable
Technique easily applicable to various greenhouse and protected crops (tomato, cucumber, strawberry, bell pepper, melon…).
Regulations
The use of biocontrol products with macroorganisms is subject to several CEPP sheets :
- Action n°6 : Control of the corn borer by releasing trichogramma
- Action n°24 : Control of vine moths by releasing trichogramma
- Action n°52 : Reduce plant protection treatments by introducing auxiliary macroorganisms in greenhouses
Effects on the sustainability of the cropping system
“Environmental” criteria
Effect on air quality : Increasing
phytosanitary emissions : DECREASE
Effect on water quality : Increasing
pesticides : DECREASE
Other : No effect (neutral)
Additional details or comments :
Air and water quality : Reduction of pollutant transfers to water and air thanks to reduced insecticide use.
Fossil energy consumption : Presumably lower energy consumption if treatment applications are reduced.
“Agronomic” criteria
Soil fertility : No effect (neutral)
No effect (neutral)
Water stress : No effect (neutral)
No effect (neutral)
Functional Biodiversity : Increasing
Increasing
Lower impact on functional biodiversity due to reduced insecticide use.
“Economic” criteria
Operating costs : Variable
Variable depending on the macroorganisms used.
Consider purchases of beneficial organisms (and possibly food), release times, and specific monitoring.
Mechanization costs : No effect (neutral)
Margin : Variable
Variable
The difference depends on the price gap between chemical treatment programs and macroorganism-based programs for one or more targeted pests.
“Social” criteria
Peak period : Variable
Variable
The absence of re-entry delay and pre-harvest interval allows continuous crop maintenance and marketing.
Storage duration is often short (generally maximum 48 h) and the macroorganism often must be kept cool.
Necessity to release macroorganisms quickly in the plots after receipt.
Observation time : Variable
Variable
Crop monitoring, pest detection and identification, preparation and distribution in the crop depend on the macroorganism, packaging (bulk, sachet, cards…), and dose.
In all cases, precise and regular monitoring is necessary to detect attack onset, follow pest and beneficial organism evolution, and verify the effectiveness of implemented actions.
Favored or disadvantaged organisms
Disadvantaged pests
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuta absoluta | pest, predator or parasite | ||
| mite | pest, predator or parasite | ||
| whiteflies | pest, predator or parasite | ||
| vegetable crop flies | pest, predator or parasite | ||
| aphid | pest, predator or parasite | ||
| vegetable crop thrips | pest, predator or parasite |
For more information
- Ephytia Biocontrol (application) ephytia.inra.fr/fr/P/117/Biocontrol
- -Inra - Koppert
INRA, Website
- Biological control : main predators
- -Johanna Villenave - Chasset
Plante & Cité, Technical brochure, 2013
To access the technical sheet see link
- Overview of alternative methods : Auxiliary insects / cucumber heated greenhouse
- -CTIFL, Technical brochure, 2009
To access the brochure see link
- Macroorganisms
- -International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), France., Website
For further information see link [accessed 17/10/17]
Keywords
Pest control method : Biological control
Mode of action : Catch-up Action on initial stock Mitigation
Type of strategy regarding pesticide use : Substitution
Appendices
S'applique aux cultures suivantes
Défavorise les bioagresseurs suivants
