Biological Control最新文献

{"title":"Survival of seed-coated microbial biocontrol agents during seed storage","authors":"Jürgen Köhl ,&nbsp;Liesbeth van der Heijden ,&nbsp;Patrick Butterbach ,&nbsp;Typhanie Gaildry ,&nbsp;Lia Groenenboom-de Haas ,&nbsp;Ilse Houwers ,&nbsp;Ezra de Lange ,&nbsp;Giovanny Lopez ,&nbsp;Anita van Nieuwenhoven ,&nbsp;Maria Touceda","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105809","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105809","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological control of seedborne pathogens and soilborne seedling pathogens through antagonists applied on seeds is an alternative to chemical seed treatments. The survival of coated microorganisms during the various seed processing, storage and distribution steps is essential for the use of beneficial fungi or bacteria on seeds. A study was done to gain insight into the survival potential and variability in survival of representatives of different microbial groups during storage of coated seeds of different crops. Survival of inocula on seeds of Brassica, onion, spinach and perennial ryegrass was tested by plating and for a subset of coated seeds by viability qPCR. A close correlation was found for CFU counts per seed and the estimated number of viable conidia based on strain-specific or generic fungal viability qPCR for conidia of <em>Cladosporium cladosporioides</em> H39 coated on various seed lots. For <em>Lysobacter enzymogenes</em> 3.1 T8, viability qPCR showed survival of cells on coated seeds. However, only few colonies were produced on Tryptone soy agar. Generic fungal and bacterial qPCR and viability qPCR assays with non-coated seeds indicated that only a proportion of the seed microbiota, frequently less than 10 %, are viable. Survival of inocula coated on seeds and stored for three to six months differed between applied microbial groups, formulation of inocula and between laboratories conducting the experiments. From the obtained results it can be concluded that there is a promising potential to improve the often envisaged low survival of inocula coated on seeds. Improved strains selection, improved and adapted seed processing technologies, and developing expertise in microbial seed processing will allow the use of a broader range of fungal and bacterial groups. The application of viability qPCR will support this development as a fast and reliable tool to monitor the survival of microbial inocula coated on seeds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 105809"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of drone and ground releases of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri for mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) control in apples","authors":"Erica Moretti,&nbsp;Rebecca A. Schmidt-Jeffris","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105805","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105805","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In apple growing regions of Washington State (USA), mealybug outbreaks are infrequent but can be severe, especially in organic production systems. Because insecticide sprays are ineffective for this pest, management tactics are limited, and alternative approaches that are compatible with organic practices are needed. In four trials (2020–2023), we evaluated releases of mealybug destroyers, <em>Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</em> Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), for the control of grape mealybug, <em>Pseudococcus maritimus</em> (Ehrhorn) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in commercial organic apple orchards. Although <em>C. montrouzieri</em> are well known for their role in classical biological control of mealybug pests in a variety of cropping systems worldwide, this is the first report of their use as augmentative biocontrol in apple orchards in the US. Different application types (drone vs hand-releases), timings, life stages (adults vs larvae), and rates were tested. In 2020, early season hand releases at high rates (12,355/ha) reduced <em>P. maritimus</em> relative to the untreated control, but in subsequent years no efficacy was observed; pest pressure was also lower in these trials. Across all four years of the study, <em>C. montrouzieri</em> adults dispersed rapidly from field sites, especially in drone releases. Further research is needed to assess if larval releases in mealybug “hot spots” can be effective. Based on their propensity for dispersal, high host-density dependence, and expense, releases of adult <em>C. montrouzieri</em> for <em>P. maritimus</em> control in apple are not strongly supported.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 105805"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual role of Eisenia fetida and its excreta in boosting tomato biomass and defense against Botrytis cinerea","authors":"Maryan Chelkha ,&nbsp;Rubén Blanco-Pérez ,&nbsp;Jorge Dueñas-Hernani ,&nbsp;Ignacio Vicente-Díez ,&nbsp;Victoria Pastor ,&nbsp;Raquel Campos-Herrera","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105806","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105806","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil organisms are key to plant growth and ecosystem functions. Earthworms (EWs) enhance soil and indirectly affect plant growth, while their cutaneous excreta (CEx) contain bioactive compounds capable of eliciting plant responses. However, their role in plant immunity is still not well understood. We hypothesized that EWs and their CEx enhance plant defense against foliar pathogens by activating induced resistance. To test this, we evaluated the effect of <em>Eisenia fetida</em> and their CEx on <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> (tomato), focusing on growth, physiology, and defense response against <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>. Plants were exposed to EWs, CEx, or water (control), followed by <em>B. cinerea</em> infection after two weeks. Gene expression of defense markers was assessed at 24 and 48 h post-inoculation (hpi), while physiological parameters and disease severity were evaluated at 72 hpi. EWs increased shoot biomass compared to CEx, while both treatments reduced root dry weight, suggesting a possible shift in resource allocation. CEx significantly reduced <em>B. cinerea</em>-induced leaf damage and showed a trend for flavonoid accumulation, a known marker of induced resistance. Both treatments, EWs and CEx, activated the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway, with CEx specifically upregulated genes involved in fungal pathogen defense, sustaining their expression over time. The present study offers, for the first time, clear evidence that earthworm-derived CEx can induce resistance by stimulating plant defense responses. Further biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses are needed to confirm indirect results, along with field validation. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the crucial role of soil biodiversity in enhancing crop resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 105806"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144229499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corynascella humicola, a root endophytic fungus from crabgrass, confers growth promotion and induced systemic resistance in gramineous plants","authors":"Zikai Xiang,&nbsp;Hitoshi Nakayashiki,&nbsp;Kenichi Ikeda","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105810","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105810","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root-habiting fungi have great potential for plant growth promotion (PGP) and induced systemic resistance (ISR) against pathogens. In the present study, we isolated a potentially beneficial fungus, <em>Corynascella humicola</em> CHDR1-1, from crabgrass roots. Root colonization increased over time when barley, rice, and wheat seeds were planted in the soil containing CHDR1-1 mycelial aggregates. The PGP effect has been observed in barley and wheat, particularly under fertilizer-free conditions. CHDR1-1 conferred ISR against <em>Pyricularia oryzae</em> in all tested gramineous plants, i.e., barley, rice, and wheat. Most pathogenesis-related genes were expressed at higher levels in the CHDR1-1-treated group than in the untreated group after pathogen inoculation. Utilizing filamentous fungi with these characteristics may reduce the reliance of agricultural systems on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 105810"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144229500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The response of fungal community on citrus fruit surface to the application of Metschnikowia citriensis","authors":"Hongyan Zhang ,&nbsp;Shupei Wang ,&nbsp;Lanhua Yi ,&nbsp;Jian Ming ,&nbsp;Kaifang Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105811","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105811","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Metschnikowia citriensis</em> is an antagonistic yeast that was isolated from citrus systems, effectively controls postharvest green mold, blue mold, and sour rot in citrus fruits. This study explored its biocontrol mechanisms by treating citrus fruits with 1 × 10⁸ cells mL⁻¹ <em>M. citriensis</em> and analyzing fungal community dynamics via amplicon sequencing.<!--> <!-->The treatment significant reduced weight loss, disease incidence, and disease index of citrus fruits. Fungal diversity on order- and genus-level on fruit surfaces initially declined but recovered after 28 days, with <em>M. citriensis</em>-treated fruits showing higher species richness than controls. <em>M. citriensis</em> altered fungal community structure, specifically, there was a clear alteration of the microbiota characterized by higher <em>Golubeviales</em> levels in <em>M. citriensis</em> treated group individuals, but <em>Capnodiales</em> levels were significantly decreased. The genera <em>Geosmithia</em>, <em>Lecanicillium</em>, and <em>Golubevia</em> were more abundant in <em>M. citriensis</em> treated fruit, while genera <em>Diploospora</em> and <em>Issatchenkia</em> were more abundant in the Control group. <em>Meira</em> and <em>Meyerozyma</em> levels rose in <em>M. citriensis</em>-treated fruits during storage, though <em>M. citriensis</em> itself did not dominate. Furthermore, functional analysis of the fungal community revealed a significant presence of pathogens on the citrus fruit surface. These pathogens did not induce disease in the citrus fruit, suggesting that the surface microorganisms may regulate pathogen abundance below the pathogenic threshold through species interactions, such as competition or mutualism. Our result suggested that <em>M. citriensis</em> enhances biocontrol by modulating the structure and abundance of the fungal community, which may represent one of its mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 105811"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144220483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Native Trichoderma formulations to biocontrol eggs and adults of Xylotrechus arvicola","authors":"Daniela Ramírez-Lozano,&nbsp;Guzmán Carro-Huerga,&nbsp;Laura Zanfaño,&nbsp;Pedro A. Casquero,&nbsp;Álvaro Rodríguez-González","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105803","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Xylotrechus arvicola</em> (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an important pest in vineyards (<em>Vitis vinifera</em>) in the main wine-producing regions of Spain. The control of this pest is difficult due to the biology of this pest. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae, which have a very long larval development, burrow into the trunks and branches of the vines, causing severe damage. Biological control agents (BCAs), as the fungi <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. have been described as an effective tool in controlling and preventing the spread of a variety of plant pests and diseases. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to assess the capacity native <em>Trichodema</em> strains isolated from vineyards as BCAs of <em>X. arvicola</em>. Trichoderma strains were tested alone and in formulation with Tween 20 and Tween 80 against <em>X. arvicola</em> eggs and adults. In conclusion, native <em>Trichoderma</em> strains and their formulations are effective to control <em>X. arvicola.</em> although with different effect on eggs and adults. <em>T. carraovejensis</em> (T154 + Tween 80) is the best formulation to control <em>X. arvicola</em> eggs. <em>T. carraovejensis</em> (T154) and <em>T. harzianum</em> (T214) and their formulations with Tween 80 control adults in field conditions, reducing the life of insects by more than 50 %. The new species, <em>T. carraovejensis</em>, recently discovered by our group in ecologically managed vineyards, deserves special attention. <em>T. carraovejensis</em> (T154 + Tween 80) formulation can be considered as highly effective BCAs on <em>X. arvicola</em> eggs and adults in vineyards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"206 ","pages":"Article 105803"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144137804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of high temperatures on the European earwig Forficula auricularia s.l. and the parasitoid Mastrus ridens, two natural enemies of the codling moth Cydia pomonella","authors":"Marie Perrin ,&nbsp;Thomas Delattre ,&nbsp;Nicolas Borowiec ,&nbsp;Hazem Dib ,&nbsp;Elodie Lecerf ,&nbsp;Emile Melloul ,&nbsp;Myriam Siegwart ,&nbsp;Joffrey Moiroux","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A key concern for agriculture is that rising temperatures may disproportionately affect pests and their natural enemies, potentially leading to disruptions in their synchronization or population dynamics, thereby compromising biological control. This study examined whether the European earwig, <em>Forficula auricularia sensu lato</em> (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), a generalist predator native to France, and <em>Mastrus ridens</em> (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a recently introduced parasitoid of the codling moth <em>Cydia pomonella</em> (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), can tolerate high temperatures and effectively control this pest under such conditions. Our measurements indicated that the parasitoid and predator were unable to complete their development at temperatures starting from 32 °C and 28 °C, respectively, whereas previous research has shown that the codling moth can develop at 35 °C. Unexpectedly, simulations indicated that + 4°C of global warming could reduce <em>M. ridens</em> generations during the summer in southeastern France. Furthermore, although the parasitism rate of <em>M. ridens</em> remained stable between 20 °C and 30 °C, its total fecundity declined at 28 °C, as did the predation rate of <em>F. auricularia</em> at 30 °C. Additionally, we observed that <em>M. ridens</em> susceptibility to two fungicides, sulfur and copper, and a bioinsecticide, azadirachtin, increased significantly with temperature. Our results thus highlight a significant risk of increased codling moth abundance during the hottest months, driven by the absence or reduced effectiveness of their natural enemies. This underscores the urgent need to implement measures to protect these beneficial organisms under climate change, such as creating microclimatic refuges and reducing the use of pesticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"206 ","pages":"Article 105802"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the overwintering strategy of Ganaspis kimorum, a biological control agent of Drosophila suzukii","authors":"Lorenzo Fellin ,&nbsp;Marco Valerio Rossi Stacconi ,&nbsp;Gianfranco Anfora ,&nbsp;M. Lukas Seehausen ,&nbsp;Giada Bellotti ,&nbsp;Sergio Angeli ,&nbsp;Silvia Schmidt","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The larval parasitoid <em>Ganaspis kimorum</em> Buffington (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a classical biological control agent of <em>Drosophila suzukii</em> (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). This study investigated the overwintering strategy of <em>G. kimorum</em> under field conditions in Switzerland and Northern Italy. Field experiments conducted from 2021 to 2024 involved exposing <em>G. kimorum</em> to naturally variable temperatures in seven sites with different climates. Results indicate that diapause induction may be mediated by temperature, with exposures after late September successfully triggering diapause. Dissections revealed that diapause occurs in the early larval instar (L1) residing within early pupal stages of <em>D. suzukii</em>. In four out of seven sites, <em>G. kimorum</em> was able to survive winter conditions and emerged as adult. Survival rates varied significantly across sites (0.4–17.6 %). The analysis revealed significant negative associations between insect survival and the count of days with temperatures below 0°C and above 30°C. Analysing the variation of Degree Days needed until adult emergence confirmed that <em>G. kimorum</em> arrests its development as a first-instar larva and suggests a lower thermal threshold of 9°C, with 329 ± 6 post-diapause Degree Days needed to develop to the adult stage. The study provides valuable insights into the biology of the parasitoid that may be helpful for optimizing field releases and enhancing the effectiveness of <em>G. kimorum</em> as a biological control agent of <em>D. suzukii</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"206 ","pages":"Article 105801"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Area-wide augmentation of Anagyrus vladimiri and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri enhances biological control of mealybugs in Lambrusco vineyards in Northern Italy","authors":"Giovanni Burgio ,&nbsp;Serena Magagnoli ,&nbsp;Roberto Mondini ,&nbsp;Emilio Guerrieri ,&nbsp;Luca Casoli ,&nbsp;Marco Profeta ,&nbsp;Sabina Capponcelli ,&nbsp;Alessandro Castiglioni ,&nbsp;Stefano Meglioraldi ,&nbsp;Matteo Mora ,&nbsp;Stefania Valeriani ,&nbsp;Martina Parrilli","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An area-wide augmentative biological control program against vineyard mealybugs was conducted in a Lambrusco vineyard cultivation area in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy), releasing the parasitoid <em>Anagyrus vladimiri</em> and the predator <em>Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</em>. A sampling program was established to evaluate the biological control efficacy of these natural enemies, within 16 pilot farms, following the principles of the Integrated Pest Management adopted in the region. The effectiveness of the natural enemies was evaluated by comparing the situation before and after 3 years of releases. Results showed that the dominant mealybug was <em>Pseudococcus comstocki</em> (75 % in 2019 and 86 % in 2022), followed by <em>Planococcus ficus.</em> A significant increase in parasitism rate and predator density was recorded in release farms compared to the control ones, with the parasitism rate reaching a median value of about 80 %. Mealybug infestation patterns, and to some extent the activity of natural enemies, showed some variability among the farms monitored. A positive correlation between <em>A. vladimiri</em> and <em>C. mountrouzieri</em> biocontrol activity revealed a lack of competition between them. The increase of insecticide treatments in release farms did not result in a higher efficacy of control, but negatively affected the parasitism rate. In conclusion, augmentative biological control promoted the activity of natural enemies, likely enhancing the dispersal of parasitoids. Our results highlight the need to combine a biological control strategy with an Integrated Pest Management approach based on the reduction of insecticide sprays, the use of more selective active ingredients, and the proper timing of treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"206 ","pages":"Article 105800"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of releases of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on spider mite control on raspberry in high tunnel production, and implication on control strategy through a population model of Tetranychus mcdanieli (Acari: Tetranychidae)","authors":"Émilie Lemaire ,&nbsp;Frédéric McCune ,&nbsp;Michèle Roy ,&nbsp;Gaétan Bourgeois ,&nbsp;Valérie Fournier","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105799","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105799","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Field experiments were conducted to determine the establishment and the effectiveness of certain predatory mites in controlling spider mites in raspberry grown under high tunnels. First, the efficacy of <em>Neoseiulus fallacis</em> and <em>N.<!--> <!-->californicus</em> releases combined with <em>Phytoseiulus persimilis</em> was compared to an acaricide (clofentezine). Weather and low release rates being unfavourable to predator establishment, release strategies were not as effective as the acaricide. Second, the effect of adding an artificial mist on the establishment of <em>P.<!--> <!-->persimilis</em> was measured. Control was achieved more rapidly by treatment with artificial mist, but the difference in prey and predator density was not significant. Third, a population dynamics model was developed and calibrated with the aim of better understanding spider mite dynamics under tunnel production. The model fits the field data well, is useful for sizing up the impact of different parameters on the population dynamic and shows that temperature is a critical parameter in the management of spider mites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"206 ","pages":"Article 105799"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144099443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}