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Research article2019Peer reviewedOpen access

Recruiting on the Spot: A Biodegradable Formulation for Lacewings to Trigger Biological Control of Aphids

Palsson, Joakim; Thoming, Gunda; Silva, Rodrigo; Porcel, Mario; Dekker, Teun; Tasin, Marco

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

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network

Global goals (SDG)

SDG2 Zero hunger
SDG15 Life on land

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