Greenhouse biological control: Survey and development of new predatory agents

In today’s global regulatory environment, the importation of non-native generalist biocontrol agents into new areas is increasingly restricted, owing to concerns of non-target effects by introduced species. As such, finding new agents to target a diversity of greenhouse crop pests requires surveys of native species. Between 2018 and 2020, we conducted surveys across Ontario to identify several predatory hemipterans that can be easily maintained in lab cultures, adapt well to greenhouse crops, and demonstrate good control potential for a diversity of arthropod pests. Through these surveys, we were able to successfully identify and establish colonies for two predatory nabids (Nabis americoferus and Hoplistocelis pallescens) and three predatory mirids (Dicyphus famelicus and D. discrepans, Macrolophus tenuicornis). To date, we have characterized the life histories and predatory capacities for most of these predators and have confirmed that each can successfully establish on tomato as a host crop. Along with ongoing greenhouse trials aimed at establishing best practices for application of two of these mirids (D. famelicus and D. discrepans), this work represents the foundation for commercial development of native biocontrol agents for application in North American greenhouse crops.