New opportunities for the integration of microorganisms into biological pest control systems in greenhouse crops

Abstract

Biological pest control with mass-produced arthropod natural enemies is well developed in greenhouse crops and has often resulted in the evolution of complex ecosystems with persistent populations of multiple arthropod natural enemy species. However, there are cases where arthropod natural enemies are either not effective enough, not available, or their use is rather costly. For these reasons, biological control based on microorganisms, also referred to as ‘microbials’, represents a complementary strategy for further development. Although commercially available microbials have been around for quite some time, research on and the applied use of combinations of arthropod natural enemies and microbials have remained relatively under explored. Here, we review current uses of entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses, and their possible direct and indirect effects on arthropod natural enemies in European greenhouses. We discuss how microbials might be combined with arthropod natural enemies in the light of new methodologies and technologies such as conservation biological control, greenhouse climate management, and formulation and delivery. Furthermore, we explore the possibilities of using other microorganisms for biological control, such as endophytes, and the need to understand the effect of insect-associated microorganisms, or symbionts, on the success of biological control. Finally, we suggest future research directions to optimize the combined use of microbials and arthropod natural enemies in greenhouse production.

Potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents of Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)

“…Since strawberries are mostly grown in greenhouses, the control based only on chemical pesticides would result in residues on fruits and impact on the environment (Bernardi et al, 2015). In these cases, microorganisms could be a sustainable alternative control method (Gonzalez et al, 2016) with benefits for consumers, farmers, and the environment (Bonsignore and Vacante, 2009;Lacey et al, 2015;Gonzalez et al, 2016). For these reasons, biological control based on microorganisms represents a complementary strategy for further development (Zawadneak et al, 2015a;Gonzalez et al, 2016); however, studies on this type of approach involving D. fovealis are nonexistent.…”

“…Endophytes can have beneficial effects on host plants, e.g., promoting plant growth, reducing disease severity, inducing plant defense mechanisms, and producing anti-herbivore products (Arnold et al, 2003;Arnold and Lewis, 2005;Schulz and Boyle, 2005;Rudgers et al, 2007). These fungi have been detected in hundreds of plant species (Urrutia et al, 2002;Gonzalez et al, 2016).…”

“…Fungi have several characteristics that make them suitable as biological control agents, as they can directly penetrate through the insect cuticle, and increase the potential for epizootics and mortality rates in the pest population (Hajek and Delalibera, 2010;Gonzalez et al, 2016). These fungi can colonize plant tissues as endophytes (Arnold, 2007), apparently remaining assymptomatic (Urrutia et al, 2002;Arnold and Lutzoni, 2007;Vega et al, 2009).…”

Interactions between the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and the Neotropical predator Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Implications in biological control of pest

“…Interspecific competition between natural enemy species is one of the most important factors determining biological control programs (Gonzalez et al 2016). Studies about interactions between entomopathogenic fungi and other natural enemies (parasitoids and predators) have been performed worldwide (Roy et al 2006;Ormond et al 2011;Martins et al 2014;Bayissa et al 2016).…”

A New Frontier for Biological Control against Plant Pathogenic Nematodes and Insect Pests I: By Microbes

“…The broken line inset box indicates the common microbial determinants of both insecticidal and nematicide capacity. Duarte et al, 2016;Gonzalez et al, 2016;Khan et al, 2016;Malekan et al, 2015;Mascarin and Jaronski, 2016;QuesadaMoraga et al, 2006;Ramanujam et al, 2014;Safavi, 2013;Xu et al, 2009 Metarhizium anisopliae Haase et al, 2015;Monteiro et al, 2012;Ramanujam et al, 2014;Yang et al, 2012HezeSNPV Helicoverpa zea Gemstar, HzNPV CCAB Haase et al, 2015Lacey et al, 2015;Rowley et al, 2011 MabrNPV Mamestra brassicae;H. armigera;S.…”