Biosystems engineering applied to greenhouse pest control

Abstract

The recent development and adoption of IPM programs in the southeast of Spain, where the largest concentration of protected crops of the world has developed, excluding China, has become a reference model for other areas, specially with Mediterranean climatic conditions. At least four key driving forces have been involved, strong regulatory framework, subsidies to the growers, extension of knowledge, and Research and Innovation. The last has motivated a drastic change in the mind-set of growers since they recognize biocontrol as the best pest management after selection and development of suitable species and efficient biocontrol programs, which are mainly based on augmentative releases of commercially mass-reared populations. The quality and price of the beneficials, which has deserved less attention when analyzing the failure or success of biocontrol, has contributed significantly to this achievement. Biosystems engineering progress to mass rear the key species of insects and mites currently used in these augmentative programs are reviewed. Specifically, attention is paid to the predatory mites Phytoseidae and some species of the families Miridae and Anthocoridae, as well as some parasitoids. Changes in the productions and formulation of new release systems, such as sachets à la carte that have increased the affordable quantities of individuals, are discussed. Finally, trends and challenges on complementary and artificial diets, as well as automatisms, which may decrease production costs and open new opportunities for open field crops, are explored.