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Many species of slugs are considered serious pests in agriculture and horticulture around the world. In Europe, slugs of the genera Arion and Deroceras are the most harmful pests in agriculture. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the whole-cell metabolites of 10 strains of five Xenorhabdus and three slug-parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, Phasmarhabditis bohemica, and Phasmarhabditis apuliae) on the feeding behaviour and repellent effect on target slugs and evaluate a new possible means of biocontrol of these pests. The repellent and anti-feedant effects of nematode-killed insects, metabolites, slug-parasitic nematodes and a combination of metabolites and nematodes were studied through experimental designs: sand-filled plastic boxes divided into two parts in several modifications: with dead Galleria mellonella killed by nematodes, lettuce treated with bacterial metabolites and lettuce placed on the treated sand. We found that slugs avoid eating G. mellonella killed by nematodes, while they eat freeze-killed G. mellonella. Similarly, they avoid the consumption of lettuce in areas treated with bacterial metabolites (the most effective strains being Xenorhabus bovienii NFUST, Xenorhabdus kozodoii SLOV and JEGOR) with zero feeding in the treated side. All three Phasmarhabditis species also provided a significant anti-feedant/repellent effect. Our study is the first to show the repellent and anti-feedant effects of metabolites of Xenorhabdus bacteria against Arion vulgaris, and the results suggest that these substances have great potential for biocontrol. Our study is also the first to demonstrate the repellent effect of P. apuliae and P. bohemica. Key points: • Slugs avoid eating G. mellonella killed by entomopathogenic nematodes. • Bacterial metabolites have a strong repellent and antifeedant effect on slugs. • Presence of slug parasitic nematodes increases the repellent effect of metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 6/04 standard of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) on the safe use of biological control is a decision-support scheme (DSS) for the import and release of biological control agents in Europe. It was recently developed by the Joint EPPO/International Organisation of Biological Control (IOBC) Panel on Biological Control Agents. The DSS can be used to assess the potential environmental impacts of biological control agents. It is valid for different types of biological control: classical and augmentative biological control of invertebrates, pathogens and weeds. However, the DSS is not yet widely implemented in Europe and, during preliminary trials, it was found that its broad range of usages could lead to some confusion or misunderstandings, as well as requiring unnecessary information in some cases. Thus, the scheme was modified to specifically assess classical biological control against plant pests, i.e. the introduction of exotic natural enemies of plant pests for establishment and long-term control. The new version of the scheme was then tested on two parasitoids that are presently being released in Europe, the figitid Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis against the spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii and the mymarid Cleruchoides noackae against the Eucalyptus bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus. Both parasitoids were successfully assessed with the new version of the DSS. No major issues were encountered during the assessments and most questions were answered with low levels of uncertainty. Both assessments concluded that the parasitoids were safe to release in the impact assessment areas, with positive impacts exceeding negative impacts. Suggestions for potential improvements are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The main purpose of this work was to evaluate the possible influence of daily temperature variations on the interaction between entomopathogens and the target insect Drosophila suzukii. Drosophila suzukii is an invasive alien species whose spread in non-native areas has increased in recent years due to global warming and which could be controlled by bioinsecticides such as nematodes and bacteria. The effectiveness of both nematodes and bacteria was evaluated by interaction assays performed under controlled conditions. The selected temperature ranges simulated the day/night temperature fluctuations detected during the main breeding periods of this dipteran in temperate regions. The results obtained show that the influence of temperature fluctuations is rather drastic on nematodes, while the efficacy of bacteria does not change significantly. From an application point of view, studying the effects of environmental temperature changes on entomopathogens used in biological control is extremely important to improve their effectiveness in controlling insect pests. Global climate change is allowing the invasion of insect pests into new areas without natural competitors and/or predators. The dipteran Drosophila suzukii has invaded both the Americas and Europe, becoming a serious problem for fruit crops. Control methods for this pest are still based on the use of pesticides, but less invasive and more sustainable methods, such as biocontrol, are needed. Variations in environmental conditions can affect the efficacy of bioinsecticides influencing their behavior and physiology besides that of the target insects. In this work, we developed a system that simulates the daily temperature fluctuations (DTFs) detected in the environment, with the aim of studying the influence of temperature on biocontrol processes. We investigated the effects of DTFs on the efficacy of four bioinsecticides. Results showed that DTFs modify the efficacy of some entomopathogens while they are ineffective on others. Specifically, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is the most effective bioinsecticide under all conditions tested, i.e., low DTF (11–22 °C) and high DTF (17–33 °C) compared to constant temperature (25 °C). In contrast, nematodes are more sensitive to changes in temperature: Steinernema carpocapsae loses efficacy at low DTF, while Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora are not effective in controlling the target dipteran. This work provides a basis for reviewing biological control methods against invasive species in the current context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Leaf litter in orchards is an important overwintering habitat for biocontrol agents. • There were found six hibernating invertebrate predators on the area of 1 m2. • The vast majority of beneficial species were spiders. • Relationships of hibernating arthropods and environmental conditions were found. • Leaf litter management is a key factor for supporting biological control. Overwintering of invertebrates in Central Europe drives the population dynamics in the subsequent seasons and have the direct impact on ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of overwintering arthropods in the fallen leaves in three fruit orchards. The autumn and early spring distributions of several arthropod taxa were studied in fallen leaves in apple, pear, and cherry orchards in relation to several environmental variables. In the predefined areas (1 x 1 m) samples of fallen leaves were collected in autumn and spring 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. Data from an area of 168 m2 was used for evaluation. A total of 1281 arthropod individuals were collected. The most abundant were spiders with 787 specimens. Samples also comprised 17 other arthropod species or higher taxonomic categories, 10 of which were considered as beneficial, four as pests, and three were unclassified. Spiders were analysed more precisely due to their dominance and their importance in plant protection as biocontrol agents. We demonstrate for the first time that fallen leaves in fruit orchards offer a suitable overwintering microhabitat for predatory arthropods, which contribute to the biological control of pests, and comprehensively evaluate the overwintering arthropod assemblage in relation to several ecological and environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magal et al. [13] studied both spatial and non-spatial host-parasitoid models motivated by biological control of horse-chestnut leaf miners that have spread through Europe. In the non-spatial model, they considered pest control by predation of leaf miners by a generalist parasitoid with a Holling type II functional (Monod) response. They showed that there can be at most six equilibrium points and discussed local stability. We revisit their model in the non-spatial case, identify cases missed in their investigation and discuss consequences for possible pest control strategies. Both the local stability of equilibria and global properties are considered. We use a bifurcation theoretical approach and provide analytical expressions for fold and Hopf bifurcations and for the criticality of the Hopf bifurcations. Our numerical results show very interesting dynamics resulting from codimension one bifurcations including: Hopf, fold, transcritical, cyclic-fold, and homoclinic bifurcations as well as codimension two bifurcations including: Bautin and Bogdanov-Takens bifurcations, and a codimension three Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii has become a key invasive pest of soft- and thin-skinned fruit crops in its invaded regions in Europe and Americas, where naturally occurring natural enemies are generally not effective for the suppression of this pest or largely absent such as larval-attacking parasitoids. As a part of systematic evaluations of candidate agents for classical biological control of this invasive pest, we evaluated the functional responses of three Asian-native larval hymenopteran parasitoids, Asobara japonica (Braconidae), Ganaspis brasiliensis , and Leptopilina japonica (both Figitidae) to D. suzukii or Drosophila melanogaster (A. japonica only) larvae. Host larval densities were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 larvae per test for A. japonica and 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, or 42 larvae per test for G. brasiliensis or L. japonica. Host larvae were provided in standard artificial diet in tubes for a 24-h exposure to individual female parasitoids under the quarantine conditions (23°C). All three parasitoids showed a linear (type I) functional response to the tested host densities. Host species (for A. japonica only) did not affect the number of hosts parasitized or the functional response. Asobara japonica was more efficient than either figitid in terms of the searching efficiency while L. japonica preformed slightly better than G. brasiliensis under the tested conditions. The results are discussed with respect to the selection of parasitoid species to be released in North America and Europe to suppress D. suzukii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, native to East Asia, is an invasive alien pest that arrived in Europe in the early 2000s and poses an imminent threat to a wide variety of crops. Adventive populations of the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, the most promising agent for classical biological control of H. halys, have recently been detected in Italy and Switzerland. Its prospective fundamental host range in Europe was evaluated in behavioural no-choice tests, followed by large-arena choice tests presenting host plants with naturally laid egg masses of target and non-target hosts. Developmental suitability of European non-target host species for T. japonicus was demonstrated, via no-choice tests, by offspring emergence (successful parasitism) from eleven out of thirteen non-target species tested (85%). Whereas successful parasitism of most non-target species was significantly lower, acceptance of Arma custos, Palomena prasina, Pentatoma rufipes, and Rhaphigaster nebulosa was not significantly different from H. halys controls. When eggs of H. halys and non-target species were exposed in a semi-natural situation in large-arena choice tests, the degree of non-target parasitism was substantially reduced for three out of four tested species, whereas parasitism of Pa. prasina eggs was not. It remains unclear if there are behavioural barriers to parasitism that may exist and preclude excessive parasitism of potentially threatened species in the field, but field data from the invaded areas in Switzerland and Italy could contribute to a risk–benefit evaluation of releasing or re-locating adventive T. japonicus populations into other parts of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigated the interaction between a predatory mite and three thrips species. • Frankliniella occidentalis had complex antipredator behaviour but was preyed upon. • Thrips parvispinus showed similar behaviour and was also preyed upon. • Echinothrips americanus showed fewer defence types but often escaped predation. • Suppressing the antipredator behaviour resulted in predation of all three species. Biological pest control is successful in many agricultural systems, yet various pests can still not be controlled with natural enemies. Examples are invasive thrips species such as Echinothrips americanus Morgan and Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in Europe. The lack of biological control of these pests in several crops has been subscribed to their complex life cycle and cryptic behaviours, but their antipredator behaviours may prevent successful control and have not been studied extensively. One of these behaviours is the potential of thrips to kill the eggs of predatory mites, which we quantified. Furthermore, we observed the behaviour of first- and second-instar thrips larvae when attacked by starved predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot. For comparison, we included Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), which shows an array of defensive behaviours, but can be controlled successfully by several species of predatory mites. Second-instar larvae and adults of F. occidentalis and T. parvispinus killed predator eggs, but E. americanus did not. First- and second-instar larvae of all three species swung their abdomen to defend themselves, and F. occidentalis and T. parvispinus produced anal droplets, which are also involved in defence. Predators were not successful in attacking any second-instar larvae during 15-minute observations, which is sufficiently long for an attack. First-instar larvae of F. occidentalis and T. parvispinus were sometimes successfully attacked by the predatory mite before they could mount a defence, but first-instar E. americanus always defended themselves and were almost never preyed upon. Cooling thrips larvae to suppress antipredator behaviour increased predation for all species and stages, except for first instars of F. occidentalis. In conclusion, the lack of successful control of E. americanus is not caused by killing predator eggs, but by the efficient defensive behaviour of both larval instars. Our study furthermore suggests that T. parvispinus can potentially be controlled by A. swirskii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini (Lasiocampidae) is one of the most dangerous pests of pine Pinus sylvestris stands in Central Europe. To develop biological control method of this pest, the bioassay was made to assess the sensitivity of D. pini caterpillars to native EPMs strains representing two species: Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis megidis in laboratory conditions. The results showed higher activity of S. feltiae strains which parasitized 86.7 - 100% of D. pini caterpillars, compared to the 20-100% of insects parasitized by H. megidis strain. Most nematodes were found in caterpillars treated with S. feltiae (in average 40 IJs/caterpillar), the least – in individuals parasitized by H. megidis (in average IJs/caterpillar). No effect of dose and temperature on parasitizm was found with S. feltiae strains while in H. megidis increased doses resulted in higher extensity of parasitism. The results indicate higher biological activity of S. feltiae strains and advisability of their further studies in field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here for the first time the presence of Ophelimus mediterraneus sp. n. in Mediterranean Europe. This species appears to be closely related to Ophelimus maskelli , a well-known invasive pest of Eucalyptus. Based on molecular (cytochrome oxidase I, 28S), morphological (multivariate ratio analysis) and bio-ecological investigations, our study gives unambiguous relevant criteria that allow the discrimination between these two species. A full description of O. mediterraneus sp. n. is also provided. The geographic distribution of O. mediterraneus sp. n. as well as its impact on Eucalyptus species needs to be more widely assessed since its presence may have been confused with O. maskelli in their sympatric introduced areas. Further investigations of potential parasitoids in the native area may thus be welcomed to evaluate classical biological control achievability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trioza erytreae , a vector of huanglongbing, is now present in mainland Europe. • A classical biological control program with the parasitoid T. dryi is in progress. • The host specificity of T. dryi was evaluated on 11 psyllid species. • Our results demonstrate that T. dryi is a highly specific parasitoid. • Its introduction in Europe should not trigger any significant environmental impact. The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae , vectors citrus greening or huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The psyllid has been reported from mainland Europe, where it is rapidly spreading from the northwest to the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. In order to reduce its spread and population levels, a classical biological control program with the parasitoid Tamarixia dryi is under development in Spain. We evaluated the host specificity of T. dryi using 11 non-target psyllid (NTP) species, including five species of the genus Trioza. The psyllids were selected based on phylogenetic and ecological criteria. Tamarixia dryi exhibited a high host specificity. Females did not parasitize any of the 11 NTPs tested, except for one nymph of a gall-forming Trioza species closely related to Trioza montanetana. Tamarixia dryi only laid one egg on a nymph when it was removed from the gall on Convolvulus canariensis and exposed directly to the parasitoid. However, the immature parasitoid died before emerging. We further confirmed that T. dryi did not parasitize a representative triozid species, Trioza laurisilvae, of the endemic Canarian fauna after long time exposure. Our results demonstrate that T. dryi is a highly specific parasitoid and its introduction, release and establishment in Europe within the classical biological control program of T. erytreae should not affect other psyllid species. Therefore, no significant environmental impact is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi are used for biological control of insect pests. Metarhizium brunneum Petch (Hypocreales) has potential to control Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Chrysomelidae), which is a major pest of maize in North America and has recently invaded Europe. The inundative application of an entomopathogenic fungal strain in biological control results in high densities of fungal propagules in the soil which can potentially affect soil microbial communities and their multiple functions in soil. The objective of the present study was to assess potential effects of M. brunneum on soil fungal and prokaryotic communities in a pot experiment over a time course of 4 months using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of ribosomal markers. The application of M. brunneum formulated as fungus colonised barley kernels (FCBK) led to a significant increase of the applied strain in soil, as assessed by cultivation-dependent (plating on selective medium followed by genotyping of Metarhizium isolates) and cultivation-independent (HTS of ribosomal markers) approaches. Data revealed that soil fungal and prokaryotic community structures did not change after the application of M. brunneum. Temporal changes of the fungal and prokaryotic communities were observed and the prokaryotic communities showed minor changes to barley kernels (BK), the matrix of the formulation. Results of this study are in accordance with other investigations lacking any evidence for adverse effects on microbial communities caused by applied entomopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneously enhancing ecosystem services provided by biodiversity below and above ground is recommended to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers in agriculture. However, consequences for crop yield have been poorly evaluated. Above ground, increased landscape complexity is assumed to enhance biological pest control, whereas below ground, soil organic carbon is a proxy for several yield-supporting services. In a field experiment replicated in 114 fields across Europe, we found that fertilisation had the strongest positive effect on yield, but hindered simultaneous harnessing of below- and above-ground ecosystem services. We furthermore show that enhancing natural enemies and pest control through increasing landscape complexity can prove disappointing in fields with low soil services or in intensively cropped regions. Thus, understanding ecological interdependences between land use, ecosystem services and yield is necessary to promote more environmentally friendly farming by identifying situations where ecosystem services are maximised and agrochemical inputs can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of selected entomopathogenic nematodes andPhasmarhabditis hermaphroditaon the European-Union-protected slugGeomalacus maculosusand the sympatricLehmannia marginatawas investigated. There was no significant difference in mortality between slugs treated with nematodes and their controls. The presence ofP. hermaphroditain twoG. maculosuscadavers may be the result of necromenic behaviour. This study constitutes the first record ofP. californicain Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African citrus psyllid (AfCP), Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera, Triozidae), recently has been found in northwestern Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). The insect is an important citrus pest because it transmits the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus liberibacter spp., the causal agents of huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating disease affecting citrus. The bacteria can be acquired by both AfCP nymphs and adults, but only adults can spread the pathogen. HLB has been detected neither in the Iberian Peninsula nor in Madeira and the Canary Islands, where the psyllid was recorded more than a decade ago. In the latter European islands, the eradication programmes of AfCP failed. Chemical-based control strategies are costly, could trigger increases of other pests and may have negative impact on the environment. The adoption of rigorous quarantine measures is extremely important for areas free of the psyllid. These measures likely represent the most effective prevention strategies for psyllid containment, because the geographic expansion of psyllids in citrus is mainly due to human activities, especially by the transport of plants and freshly harvested fruits from infested to uninfested areas. Many natural enemies may contribute to the reduction of its populations and consequent spread; hence, conservation biological control should be emphasised, especially in areas where the psyllid is not abundant. Classical biological control programmes should also be implemented in HLB-free areas by introducing effective AfCP parasitoids. In areas where HLB is detected, biological control is difficult to apply, and a rigorous chemical control program targeting the psyllid could complement this strategy. This report is an updated review of AfCP and strategies for its control in anticipation of its possible further spread in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU agriculture is currently in transition from conventional crop protection to integrated pest management ( IPM). Because biocontrol is a key component of IPM, many European countries recently have intensified their national efforts on biocontrol research and innovation (R&I), although such initiatives are often fragmented. The operational outputs of national efforts would benefit from closer collaboration among stakeholders via transnationally coordinated approaches, as most economically important pests are similar across Europe. This paper proposes a common European framework on biocontrol R&I. It identifies generic R&I bottlenecks and needs as well as priorities for three crop types (arable, vegetable and perennial crops). The existing gap between the market offers of biocontrol solutions and the demand of growers, the lengthy and expensive registration process for biocontrol solutions and their varying effectiveness due to variable climatic conditions and site-specific factors across Europe are key obstacles hindering the development and adoption of biocontrol solutions in Europe. Considering arable, vegetable and perennial crops, a dozen common target pests are identified for each type of crop and ranked by order of importance at European level. Such a ranked list indicates numerous topics on which future joint transnational efforts would be justified. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic wasp species Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Pteromalidae) are used for inoculation biological control of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in grain stores in Europe. To assess their suitability for biological control under extreme temperatures in winter and summer, we studied the influence of temperatures on their parasitization behaviour under natural fluctuating temperature conditions in the field and under constant temperature conditions in the laboratory. At low temperatures (≤20°C), L. distinguendus showed a higher parasitization rate than A. calandrae. At high temperatures (≥25°C), A. calandrae performed better than L. distinguendus that was negatively affected already at temperatures above 30°C. These findings suggest a temperature-dependent release of either L. distinguendus or A. calandrae to allow a more efficient application of the wasps in biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), one of the most widely grown vegetables worldwide, is susceptible to root rot caused by Phytophthora capsici. Many biocides have recently been banned in Europe because of human health and environmental concerns. Integrated pest management is a European priority, where biological control together with other agronomic practices should replace pesticide management of plant diseases in the future. Application of different concentrations of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 (the in T34 Biocontrol®) on incidence of disease caused by P. capsici in pepper was studied. Different methods of application of the microbial control agent and inoculation of the pathogen were examined. T34 and etridiazole (Terrazole®) were compared for their ability to suppress P. capsici. T34 reduced disease in most of the assayed situations (up to 71% disease reduction), while etridiazole was effective only when applied at the same time as the pathogen. The results obtained are discussed on the basis of the different modes of action of T34 and etridiazole. T34 is a useful biological alternative to chemicals for the control of P. capsici in pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Macrolophus pygmaeus is one of the most widely used natural enemies in augmentative biological control programs in Europe, where it effectively controls various pests in protected crops. One of the main drawbacks in the use of M. pygmaeus is its slow establishment and early population development in the crop. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of two food sources; Ephestia kuehniella eggs and pollen of the cattail Typha latifolia, either alone or in combination, on the population development of M. pygmaeus in a tomato crop. In addition to comparing type of food source, we examined the effect of different patterns of food provision on the dispersal of M. pygmaeus within the crop. The type of food provided was shown to significantly affect the population development of M. pygmaeus. The mean number of nymphs and adults of M. pygmaeus per leaf was higher in those plants that received the E. kuehniella eggs alone or in combination with the cattail pollen, as compared to plants receiving only the cattail pollen as a food source or no food supplements at all. The pattern in which the food supplement was applied in the crop affected the dispersal of M. pygmaeus as well. The implication of these results for the use of M. pygmaeus in augmentative biological control programs is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global environmental changes threaten ecosystems and cause significant alterations to the supply of ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being. We provide an assessment of the potential impacts of climate change on the European diversity of vertebrates and their associated pest-control services. We modeled the distributions of the species that provide these services using forecasts from bioclimatic envelope models and then used the results to generate maps of potential species richness among vertebrate providers of pest-control services. We assessed how the potential richness of pest-control providers would change according to different climate and greenhouse emissions scenarios. We found that the potential richness of pest-control providers was likely to face substantial reductions, especially in southern European countries whose economies were highly dependent on agricultural yields. In much of central and northern Europe, where countries' economies were less dependent on agriculture, climate change was likely to benefit pest-control providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratapion basicorne is a weevil native to Europe and western Asia that is being evaluated as a prospective classical biological control agent of Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle) in the United States. Choice oviposition experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions to help assess host-plant specificity of the insect. Mean oviposition rates were highest on C. solstitialis (66% of eggs, on a per replicate basis) followed by Centaurea cyanus (bachelor's button 22%), Centaurea melitensis (6%), Centaurea americana (1%), Saussurea americana (3%) and Carthamus tinctorius (safflower 2%). Adult feeding damage followed a similar pattern; however, there was less oviposition relative to the amount of adult feeding on each of the non-target species than on the target host plant, C. solstitialis. Thirteen safflower varieties were tested, and oviposition occurred on eight of them, at low rates. Adult feeding occurred on all safflower varieties tested, although at rates much lower than on yellow starthistle. The results were intermediate between those of previously reported no-choice laboratory and open field experiments. Overall, the combined results support the hypothesis that C. basicorne is not likely to attack any of the non-target plant species tested here except possibly C. cyanus and C. melitensis, which are both invasive alien plants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A study of the European parasitoids Peristenus digoneutis and Peristenus relictus, introduced for the biological control of Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus, was conducted to determine their potential host ranges in North America. No-choice laboratory tests suggested that native Lygus spp. were equally likely to be hosts of both parasitoids. Other non-target Miridae were not suitable hosts for P. digoneutis but Amblytylus nasutus, Leptopterna dolabrata and Melanotrichus coagulatus may be suitable for development of P. relictus. Comparison with field data in North America and studies in Europe suggest that non-target Lygus spp. may be impacted by P. digoneutis while other non-target species would not. In contrast, the non-target Lygus spp. and at least several other non-target mirid species are likely to be impacted by P. relictus. Potential impact on non-target Lygus spp. would be highest in the Western North American bioregion where the greatest number of native species occurs. In the Eastern North American bioregion where the Lygus fauna consists of fewer, mainly widespread species, impacts on non-target Lygus spp. are expected to be minimal. It is recommended that post-release surveys be conducted to quantify potential impacts on non-target Lygus spp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The majority of Coccinellidae are beneficial predators and they have received considerable research attention because of their potential as biological control agents. Indeed the role of coccinellids as predators of pest insects has been a major factor in the movement of coccinellids between countries. The commercial production of coccinellids by biological control companies and local producers led to a rapid increase in distribution thoughout the 1990's. To date, 13 alien coccinellid species have been documented in Europe; 11 of these are alien to Europe (two are alien to Great Britain and Sweden but native within Europe). The distribution of alien coccinellids in Europe mirrors the biogeographical distribution and patterns of introduction. Some species have dispersed widely; Harmonia axyridis has spread rapidly from countries where it was deliberately introduced to many others across Europe. The ecological and economic impacts of alien coccinellids are not well documented. In this chapter we provide an overview of the temporal and spatial patterns of alien coccinellids in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) was recently introduced in Africa and Europe, where there is an increasing interest in using natural enemies to control this pest on solanaceous crops. Two promising candidates for the control of T. evansi were identified in South America, the fungal pathogen, Neozygites floridana and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes. In this study, population dynamics of T. evansi and its natural enemies together with the influence of environmental conditions on these organisms were evaluated during four crop cycles in the field and in a protected environment on nightshade and tomato plants with and without application of chemical pesticides. N. floridana was the only natural enemy found associated with T. evansi in the four crop cycles under protected environment but only in the last crop cycle in the field. In the treatments where the fungus appeared, reduction of mite populations was drastic. N. floridana appeared in tomato plants even when the population density of T. evansi was relatively low (less than 10 mites/3.14cm2 of leaf area) and even at this low population density, the fungus maintained infection rates greater than 50%. The application of pesticides directly affected the fungus by delaying epizootic initiation and contributing to lower infection rates than unsprayed treatments. Rainfalls did not have an apparent impact on mite populations. These results indicate that the pathogenic fungus, N. floridana can play a significant role in the population dynamics of T. evansi, especially under protected environment, and has the potential to control this pest in classical biological control programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Black scale Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a widespread olive pest in California and Europe. Metaphycus lounsburyi (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is often one of its main parasitoids. Augmentative releases of M. lounsburyi have been proposed in those areas in which biological control is ineffective. In this paper, we study the relationship between black scale and M. lounsburyi in the field. According to our data, M. lounsburyi parasitizes mainly ovipositing females of black scale. Parasitism rates of ovipositing females reach high levels. In those scales, M. lounsburyi develops as a gregarious parasitoid, with an average of 13 and a maximum of 40 parasitoids developing per scale. The secondary sex ratio is female biased (proportion of males=0.13) and appears to be brood size dependent. Metaphycus lounsburyi eggs are encyrtiform; however, its egg load is much higher than other Metaphycus that also parasitize black scale. The implications of these results on the behavioral ecology of M. lounsburyi and its use in biological control of black scale are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is currently a significant pest in the poultry industry in Europe. Biological control by the introduction of predatory mites is one of the various options for controlling poultry red mites. Here, we present the first results of an attempt to identify potential predators by surveying the mite fauna of European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) nests, by assessing their ability to feed on poultry red mites and by testing for their inability to extract blood from bird hosts, i.e., newly hatched, young starlings and chickens. Two genuine predators of poultry red mites are identified: Hypoaspis aculeifer and Androlaelaps casalis. A review of the literature shows that some authors suspected the latter species to parasitize on the blood of birds and mammals, but they did not provide experimental evidence for these feeding habits and/or overlooked published evidence showing the reverse. We advocate careful analysis of the trophic structure of arthropods inhabiting bird nests as a basis for identifying candidate predators for control of poultry red mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important services provided by biodiversity is thought to be the biological control of pests in agricultural landscapes, including aphids on cereals. The food webs potentially contributing to biological control of aphids primarily consist of polyphagous predators, parasitoids and pathogens. The problems of aphid pests have increased greatly since the 1970-ies, possibly as an effect of agricultural intensification, which is thought to have reduced diversity and abundance of these predators and parasites and consequently their biocontrol potential. The main objective of this study was to test this by measuring this potential for biological control of aphids, and relate it to agricultural intensification and predator abundance. We selected 30 farms distributed along agricultural intensification gradients, based on the amount of fertilizers applied per hectare. Estimates of ground-living predator density were obtained using pitfall trapping over a one-week period. Traps were placed inside the cereal fields, 10 m from the margin, in 2 replicates per field. Predation risk due to ground-living predators (biocontrol potential) was estimated by monitoring removal of aphids glued to labels. This was done in the same fields, in the immediate vicinity of the traps, over a period of 2 days. The proportion of aphids eaten per unit time was the response variable. We present the correlations between intensity of agricultural exploitation, predator abundance and biocontrol potential. The outcomes are not straightforward in that intensification begets a reduction in predator density and biocontrol potential. We discuss the potential confounding issues that might have affected our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabid beetles were pitfall-trapped in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., fields hosting populations of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in central New York state in July and August 2004 and 2006. Carabids were collected from five fields located in three counties in 2004 and from two fields both located at the same farm in 2006. In total, adults of 60 carabid species were collected, 10 of which represent introductions from Europe. Agonum muelleri (Herbst), a Palearctic native, was the dominant carabid species both years, a role not previously reported in U.S. carabid assemblages. Both years, A. muelleri was the most abundantly trapped species, and it was collected in more than half of the pitfall traps. The majority of carabid individuals trapped, including A. muelleri, belonged to species overwintering as adults. The most common larval overwinterer, the European native Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger), made up only 6.0% (2004) and 5.5% (2006) of the total carabids species caught, yet this species was relatively broadly distributed (in 40.1% of traps in 2004 and 26.0% of traps in 2006). In three no-tillage fields with canopy closure, densities of the seven most common carabid species were high at the beginning of the season, but they decreased in early August as aphid densities began increasing. A significant negative exponential relationship described this relationship between activity density of carabids and aphid density. A no-choice feeding assay confirmed that the dominant species A. muelleri readily eats soybean aphids, which is consistent with carabid predation on soybean aphid populations. Pitfall traps were arrayed to allow comparisons of carabid beetle distributions among field edges, and distances 10 and 20 m into fields. Among the seven most common species, significantly more adults of A. muelleri, Poecilus chalcites (Say), Poecilus lucublandus (Say), and Pt. melanarius were trapped within fields compared with at field edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years emphasis of semiochemical research on the western corn rootworm (WCR) ( Diabrotica v. virgifera LeConte, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) shifted towards the development of more female-specific lures. Through identifying volatile compounds from maize silk, Hammack (J. Chem. Ecol., 27, 2001,1373) claimed that some combinations of the newly identified compounds were more powerful in attracting females than the conventional floral baits (based on 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde). Earlier we found that the newly developed ‘hat’ trap design (KLP) when baited with the floral bait was especially suitable for the capture of female WCR. Encouraged by this we set out to compare efficiency of female-targeted Diabrotica baits. None of the treatments tested captured females in higher percentage than the conventional WCR floral bait (4-methoxycinnamaldehyde + indole). The combination of β-ionone + methyl salicylate + β-caryophyllene (attractant found to be more female-specific in the USA previously) was not more attractive for females than unbaited controls. No other treatment produced significantly higher female percentages than the conventional floral bait. However, the conventional bait caught far more beetles than any of the other treatments. Electroantennographic responses from male or female antennae were very similar, suggesting that all 27 floral compounds tested were perceived similarly by the two sexes. The only exception was β-ionone, to which females were slightly more responsive. It seemed that among the other compounds none showed potential for the development of a more female-specific lure. In conclusion, so far the most efficient female-targeted trap-bait combination for WCR in Europe is the conventional floral attractant applied in KLP traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) is potentially one ecological approach to control the invasive alien western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Col., Chrysomelidae) in Europe. This study investigated the establishment and the short- and long-term persistence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, Jackson and Klein (Rh., Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rh., Steinernematidae) in three maize fields in southern Hungary, using the insect-baiting technique. All three EPN species equally established and persisted in maize fields. The timing of application (April or June) did not influence the establishment of EPN species. EPNs persisted for 2–5 months, i.e. they survived up to and throughout D. v. virgifera larval occurrence in the soil. Results demonstrate that D. v. virgifera larvae can potentially be controlled by EPNs during the same year of EPN application but no long-term control effect is expected under intensive maize cultivation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis shows that invasive, alien, free-floating and emergent aquatic weeds in Europe are good targets for classical biological control, and that genus-specific chrysomelid and curculionid beetles offer the most potential. Ludwigia spp., Azolla filiculoides, Lemna minuta, Crassula helmsii and Hydrocotyle ranunculoides should be prioritised as targets. Fungal pathogens have been under-utilised as classical agents but, whilst they may have some potential against free-floating weeds, they appear to be poor candidates against submerged species, although the suitability of arthropod agents against these difficult targets still merits investigation. The use of indigenous pathogens as inundative agents (mycoherbicides) shows some promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the reasons for the safe use of invertebrate macro-organisms for inundative biological control in the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) region. Number of introductions of insect biological control agents and species involved worldwide and in the EPPO region; Regulation of biological control introductions; EPPO guidelines on safe use of exotic biological control agents.

Predators of apple and pear pests in northern and central Europe and their use as biological control agents are reviewed. Many natural enemy species are specialized feeders and are able to respond to the population dynamics of particular pest species. The most oustandingly successful example of this is the use of phytoseiid mites, particularly Typhlodromus pyri, against phytophagous pest mites in apple. This mite management strategy is now widespread throughout European apple growing regions. Another example is the use of Anthocoris nemoralis against pear psyllids, Cacopsylla pyricola and C. pyri. Several groups of naturally occurring polyphagous predators, such as chrysopids, coccinellids, syrphids and spiders, also prey on a number of pest species in orchards, contributing generally to the reduction in pest populations. However, they are unlikely alone to prevent pest damage fully and reliably. In seeking biological control opportunities for a particular pest, these polyphagous natural enemies are unlikely to be a high priority. An exception, due to its abundance in orchards, is the common earwig, Forficula auricularia, although this predator may also cause some fruit injury. Another option to consider when reviewing possibilities for biological control in orchards is the introduction of biological control agents. The success rate of this approach, using arthropod predators to control pests of field crops, has been generally poor. Furthermore, mass production methods for predators are likely to be difficult and very costly. The biological supplies industry is constantly seeking culture techniques, largely for arthropod biological control agents of pests of protected crops. It is possible that some future advance may be relevant to orchards, though currently available predators do not appear promising. A careful economic appraisal of the feasibility of use of any potential biological control agent would be prudent before embarking on research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a number of strategies used to mitigate and control insect infestations in stored products and stored product facilities in North America and globally. Fumigation remains one of the main techniques used, particularly in bulk grain. Other techniques are also utilized effectively, such as the use of extreme temperatures and the use of biological control agents, but are mainly restricted to organic products and to Europe, respectively. Here, we review the past research conducted in the field of biological control for pests of stored products in North America and in Europe, its past and present successes in Europe, its challenges, and what we can learn from them to develop biological control as a viable option to problems of insect pests of stored products in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) is a predatory mite frequently used as a biocontrol agent against phytophagous mites in greenhouses, orchards and vineyards. In Europe, it is an indigenous species, commonly found on various plants, including conifers. The present study examined whether A. andersoni can develop and reproduce while feeding on two key pests of ornamental coniferous plants, i.e., Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) and Pentamerismus taxi (Haller). Pinus sylvestris L. pollen was also tested as an alternative food source for the predator. Both prey species and pine pollen were suitable food sources for A. andersoni. Although higher values of population parameters were observed when the predator fed on mites compared to the pollen alternative, we conclude that pine pollen may provide adequate sustenance for A. andersoni populations when prey are absent. Based on our results and due to the fact that the predator was previously recorded as sympatric with O. ununguis and P. taxi, we consider it to be a promising biocontrol agent of these pests. Development, survival and reproduction of Ambyseius andersoni (Chant), a predatory mite widely distributed in Europe, were assessed on different food items. These included two key pests of ornamental coniferous plants, i.e., Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) and Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) and pollen of Pinus sylvestris L. The rationale behind these experiments was to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of the above phytophagous arthropods and evaluate pine pollen as an alternative food source for the predator. Under laboratory conditions (23 ± 0.5 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 16L:8D) A. andersoni was able to feed, develop and reproduce on all tested diets. The shortest development time (egg to female) was obtained when the predator fed on P. taxi (mean = 5.12 d) and the longest was on pine pollen (mean = 6.55 d). The rm value was significantly higher on both tested prey (0.166 on P. taxi and 0.160 on O. ununguis) than on pollen (0.139). Thus, we do not recommend pine pollen for mass rearing of A. andersoni; however, we conclude that pollen may provide sufficient sustenance for the predator population under field conditions when prey are absent. The potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of O. ununguis and P. taxi is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen beetles (Meligethes aeneus) are pests that feed and oviposit in the buds and flowers of oilseed rape. Honey-bees foraging from a hive fitted with an inoculum dispenser at the entrance effectively delivered dry conidia of the entomogenous fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae , to the flowers of oilseed rape in caged field plots. In both winter- and spring-sown rape experiments, a greater mortality of pollen beetles occurred in treated plots than in control plots. The mortality (61% on winter rape, 100% on spring rape) was greatest during peak flowering, when the feeding activity of both bees and beetles from the flowers was maximal, providing optimal conditions for inoculum dissemination and infection. Conidial sporulation occurred on a significant proportion of the dead pollen beetles. There was no evidence of any adverse effect on the honey-bee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The invasive spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a polyphagous species that has become a serious fruit pest worldwide. Biological control plays a key role in the integrated management of invasive insect pests. With the aim to verify whether some parasitoid wasps, being considered as major mortality factors for D. suzukii, followed its host along global pathways, a field survey was conducted by sampling fruits and installing fruit-baited traps near isolated cherry trees within a wide agricultural area. Morphological and molecular analysis revealed three specimens of Leptopilinajaponica in the parasitoid complex collected during the 2019 field survey; this is considered the first record of this larval parasitoid in Europe. A wider survey carried out during 2020 confirmed the presence of an adventive population of the parasitoid. In terms of reproductive biology, L. japonica shows similarity with Ganaspisbrasiliensis, the best candidate for a future program of classical biological control. Interplay among indigenous parasitoids and the newly arrived Asian parasitoid, as well as the interactions of these species with G. brasiliensis, offer a unique ecological context to acquire new insights into the relationship between D. suzukii and its natural enemies and into their role in providing effective control of the pest. Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura; Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a key pest of sweet cherry and small fruits worldwide. Biological control remains unutilized in the framework of D. suzukii management. Nonetheless, natural enemies may play an important role in regulating this pest. We report for the first time the presence of Leptopilina japonica Novković and Kimura (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) in Europe. Two specimens emerged from ripened fruits and one was collected after direct observation on a cherry tree in June 2019. They showed the distinctive morphological traits already described and shared more than 99% sequence similarity with specimens of L. japonica collected in Asia. This first finding was confirmed by a wider survey carried out in 2020; L. japonica emerged from cherry fruit samples collected in five other sites across the Trentino region, suggesting that L. japonica has already colonized a wide area. Detection of this Asian species is relevant to the future direction in managing D. suzukii, both in Europe and North America. In fact, L. japonica showed similarity with Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), the most promising candidate for the classical biological control, in terms of developmental time, egg maturation, host age preference and lifetime fecundity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrates perform many vital functions in agricultural production, but many taxa are in decline, including pest natural enemies. Action is needed to increase their abundance if more sustainable agricultural systems are to be achieved. Conservation biological control (CBC) is a key component of integrated pest management yet has failed to be widely adopted in mainstream agriculture. Approaches to improving conservation biological control have been largely ad hoc. Two approaches are described to improve this process, one based upon pest natural enemy ecology and resource provision while the other focusses on the ecosystem service delivery using the QuESSA (Quantification of Ecological Services for Sustainable Agriculture) project as an example. In this project, a predictive scoring system was developed to show the potential of five seminatural habitat categories to provide biological control, from which predictive maps were generated for Europe. Actual biological control was measured in a series of case studies using sentinel systems (insect or seed prey), trade-offs between ecosystem services were explored, and heatmaps of biological control were generated. The overall conclusion from the QuESSA project was that results were context specific, indicating that more targeted approaches to CBC are needed. This may include designing new habitats or modifying existing habitats to support the types of natural enemies required for specific crops or pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fact that bats suppress agricultural pests has been measured for some particular dyads of predator and prey species in both economic and food security terms. The recent emergence of new molecular techniques allows for more precise screenings of bat's diet than the traditional visual identification systems and provides further evidence that bats consume an ample array of agricultural pest species. The main focus of the regulatory services that bats provide in agroecosystems has been on crop pests that cause yield losses. Rice paddies constitute a particular agronomic system with specific challenges, not only related to crop productivity but also to human health. Dipteran density in such ecosystems poses a serious threat to human wellbeing and hinders crop production. Mosquitoes cause direct harm to human populations, transmitting a number of infectious diseases. Non-biting midges (Chironomidae) can consume and weaken rice seedlings and can cause major yield losses., Results: Mosquito populations and bat activity were assessed in rice paddies of Montgrí, Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park (NE Iberian Peninsula). Molecular analyses of bats faeces (6-weekly samples of 15 faeces each between mid-August and September) proved the presence of both mosquitoes and nonbiting midges in all diet samples. Furthermore, bat activity at the sampling locations was related to adult mosquito density., Conclusion: Our results suggest that bats actively exploit the emergence of adult mosquitoes and further prove that they prey on mosquitoes, nonbiting midges and other deleterious insects. Promoting the presence of bats next to human settlements in such agroecosystems may constitute a biological control system with direct impact on both human health and crop yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

• Delottococcus aberiae is an invasive citrus pest in Europe and its predators are still unknown. • This study evaluated the potential use of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri as a biological control agent of D. aberiae. • Their seasonal trends were synchronized but the predator did not prevent fruit damage. • The abundance of C. montrouzieri in summer affected the increase of D. aberiae density the following year. • The utilization of C. montrouzieri might be considered complementary to classical biological control. Delottococcus aberiae De Lotto (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is one of the latest invasive mealybugs in Europe. It causes severe fruit distortion and reduced fruit size leading into important economic losses in citrus. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is probably one of the most-used predators of mealybugs in biological control programs worldwide. However, its impact on D. aberiae is still unknown. Here, we conducted a two-year field study in nine citrus orchards located in eastern Spain in order to describe the population dynamics of D. aberiae and C. montrouzieri and evaluate the effect of the predator on D. aberiae using different approaches. Our results showed that C. montrouzieri and D. aberiae had two main synchronised population peaks per year: early spring and summer. Although D. aberiae and C. montrouzieri seasonal trends were synchronised, C. montrouzieri neither reduced mealybug density within the same year nor prevented fruit damage, which occurs early in the season. Moreover, D. aberiae population growth rates were not correlated with C. montrouzieri density. When two consecutive years were analyzed, the increase of D. aberiae in the second year was negatively correlated with the density of C. montrouzieri in summer of the previous year. Based on our two years of data, C. montrouzieri was not able to regulate D. aberiae on its own or prevent the damages produced by the mealybug but might become a valuable addition to the natural enemy guild when combined with other natural enemies and rational control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalist egg parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is the most prevalent egg parasitoid of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Europe. To assess its efficacy against the pest H. halys and to validate the potential risks for non-target species in a realistic field setting, inundative releases were conducted over three consecutive years in four fruit orchards in Switzerland and Italy. In total, more than 4300 A. bifasciatus females were released, which was equivalent to 11,000 to 26,000 females per hectare, depending on distances between trees in each orchard. Parasitism of freeze-killed sentinel H. halys eggs achieved with the current release strategy was on average 6% (range: 2%–16%) and considered not high enough to effectively suppress the pest. However, the overall impact of A. bifasciatus on the mortality of H. halys eggs was likely underestimated. If pre-imaginal parasitoid mortality (3.3%) and host feeding (6%) are added to the observed parasitism (6%), the actual induced mortality of H. halys eggs may reach more than 15%. Parasitism of lepidopteran non-target species reached an average of 8% and thus, some degree of non-target parasitism after mass releases may be expected. To quantify the impact of the parasitoids in the orchards more precisely, naturally laid egg masses should be used in future trials to include host-finding cues of the host and host plants, and larger scale releases with potentially higher densities of parasitoids should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the achievements of European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) in its 50th anniversary. Consensus on the harmonization of the very different phytosanitary certificates; Five strong points of EPPO in order to fulfill its tasks in the future; Issue of plant protection in during the spread of Colorado beetle.

Discusses the achievements of the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) in its 50th anniversary. Introduction of the EPPO pest risk analysis system into Slovenia; EPPO guidelines on the import and release of biological control agents; Problems encountered in the implementation of pest risk analysis.

Investigates the biocontrol of pests form apples and pears in Northern and Central Europe. Use of parasitoids of anthropod pests as biological control agents; Role of parasitoids in regulating the population of their host.

Investigates the use of microbial agents and nematodes as a biological control agent of pests for apples and pears in Europe. Development of Bacillus thuringiensis strains designed; Factors limiting the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi; Recognition of microbial agents and nematodes as a biocontrol of pests.