Abstract
Temperate orchards systems have several environmental features that make them conducive to microbial control strategies including adequate soil moisture, shading (protection from harmful UV) and stability. This chapter reviews and analyzes microbial control efforts in temperate orchards, including pome fruit, stone fruit, and nut crops. Emphasis is placed on pest complexes that have received most attention as targets for microbial control in North America. Examples where microbial control has been successful include the use of granulovirus and entomopathogenic nematodes against codling moth, the use of entomopathogenic nematodes against plum curculio, peachtree borer or lesser peachtree borer, and the combined or single applications of entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi (Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium spp.) and bacteria (Chromobacterium subtsugae) against pecan weevil. Improvements in efficacy have been made through careful selection of pathogen strains or species as well as recent advances in formulation or application techniques. Currently, commercially produced microbial control agents and their derivatives are applied to an increasing number of insect pests in temperate orchard systems; based on current and future research directions outlined in this chapter, there is great potential for expansion.
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