Abstract

Upon herbivory, plants release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), which induce chemical defenses in the plant as well as recruit natural enemies. However, whether synthetic HIPVs can be employed to enhance biological control in a cultivated crop in the field is yet to be explored. Here we show that a biodegradable formulation loaded with induced and food-signaling volatiles can selectively recruit the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea, and reduce pest population under field conditions. In apple orchards, the new formulation attracted lacewing adults over a 4-week period, which correlated well with independent assessments of the longevity of the slow-release matrix measured through chemical analyses. In barley, lacewing eggs and larvae were significantly more abundant in treated plots, whereas a significant reduction of two aphid species was measured (98.9% and 93.6% of population reduction, for Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi, respectively). Results show the potential for semiochemical-based targeted recruitment of lacewings to enhance biological control of aphids in a field setting. Further research should enhance selective recruitment by rewarding attracted natural enemies and by optimizing the application technique.

Keywords

apple; barley; Chrysoperla carnea; herbivory induced plant volatiles; integrated pest management; semiochemicals; ecological intensification

Published in

Insects
2019, Volume: 10, number: 1, article number: 6
Publisher: MDPI

SLU Authors

• Pålsson, Joakim

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Porcel Vilches, Mario

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Dekker, Teun

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Tasin, Marco

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network


Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10010006

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/98384