Adoption Of Biological Control Research Articles

Control of Meloidogyne javanica with Pleurotus djamor spent mushroom substrate

BackgroundThe interest in the development of products that cause less damage to the environment associated with the loss of efficiency of chemical nematicides for the control management of nematodes is growing. Thus, the adoption of biological control or the use of biopesticides are excellent options for these products like those based on chemical compounds, such as commercial pesticides and anthelmintic (AH) drugs. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a product of the mushroom production industry, has great potential for biological control due to its high levels of mycelium, residual enzymes, high humidity and unique microbiota that may contain other nematode antagonists. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus djamor cultivation in the control of Meloidogyne javanica in lettuce and assess its effects on plant resistance enzymes and soil biological activity.ResultsSMS reduced by 98.68% the nematode reproduction, and a plateau was reached at SMS concentrations above 15%. For the population density of nematode (nematode g-1 root), this reduction was 99,75%. Higher concentrations of SMS caused phytotoxicity in lettuce, with reduction of vegetative variables, chlorophyll content and nitrogen balance in the leaves; however, SMS increased the anthocyanin content. Guaiacol peroxidase activity was the highest in treatments containing 0% and 30% SMS and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity was the highest in the 60% SMS treatment, suggesting induction of resistance to M. javanica. The maximum soil basal respiration was estimated to be achieved with 25.75% SMS, whereas the maximum soil metabolic quotient was estimated to be achieved with 8.8% SMS. Soil biomass carbon increased with increasing SMS proportion.ConclusionsSpent substrate from P. djamor cultivation incorporated in soil at proportions of 15, 30, 45 and 60% is efficient in controlling M. javanica in lettuce.Graphical

Impacts of the use of biological pest control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

This paper aimed to assess the impact of the intensive use of biological control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector. The study also considered the influence of factors such as technical assistance, rural financing, and membership in cooperatives or class entities on efficiency measures. It was estimated stochastic production frontiers for regions intensively using and not using biological control, considering potential selection bias. Results demonstrate that areas with intensive use of biological pest management have a 0.863 technical efficiency score, while this score is 0.823 for nonintensive areas. This means that the intensive regions would be closer to their efficiency frontiers. Additionally, technical assistance and membership in cooperative or class entities increase efficiency by 6 and 2.5%, respectively. It can be concluded that the intensive adoption of biological control can raise the productive performance of the Brazilian agricultural sector. Therefore, it must be highlighted the importance of formulating joint policies (e.g., credit+rural extension) for the adoption of biological control to be a feasible option to promote the sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Effect of the Amount of Ephestia kuehniella Eggs for Rearing on Development, Survival, and Reproduction of Orius laevigatus.

Simple SummaryEconomical mass rearing of natural enemies is pivotal for their use as augmentative biological control agents. To this end, the conditions for mass production have been widely investigated for different natural enemies, including the predator Orius laevigatus. The key component for cost optimization of production systems is the type and amount of diet supplied. In the case of O. laevigatus, Ephestia kuehniella eggs have proved to be nutritionally superior to other cheaper natural and artificial foods. Consequently, the current practice in industrial production is the use of these eggs as food. Therefore, there is a need to know the minimum amount of Ephestia eggs needed per individual leading to a cost reduction, which in turn will favor biological control adoption. In this study, we established a minimum of 1 and 3 Ephestia eggs per day for the first two nymphal instars, respectively, and 8 eggs per day for subsequent development until adulthood. Benefits and savings for industrial production of O. laevigatus and its use in biological control are discussed.Orius laevigatus is a key tool for the success of augmentative biological control programs in protected crops. This biological control agent is mass-reared feeding on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella. However, this factitious prey is expensive, accounting for a significant percentage of the rearing costs. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the amount of Ephestia eggs needed per individual leading to a cost reduction, which in turn will favor biological control adoption. This study investigated the effect of the amount of Ephestia eggs provided on the developmental and reproductive fitness of O. laevigatus. At least a daily supply of 1 and 3 Ephestia eggs was needed for optimal development of the first two nymphal instars, respectively, although for maximum survival, 1 egg was enough for both instars. For subsequent development until adulthood, a minimum of 8 eggs per day were needed to fully support growth, but only 3 eggs for optimal survival. Similarly, male body size was also maximized by feeding 8 eggs, but for maximum female body size 10 eggs per day were required. Oviposition rate of females increased with the daily number of Ephestia eggs provided, until a plateau was reached at 8 eggs/day. Benefits and savings for industrial production of O. laevigatus are discussed.

Major Biological Control Strategies for Plant Pathogens.

Food security has become a major concern worldwide in recent years due to ever increasing population. Providing food for the growing billions without disturbing environmental balance is incessantly required in the current scenario. In view of this, sustainable modes of agricultural practices offer better promise and hence are gaining prominence recently. Moreover, these methods have taken precedence currently over chemical-based methods of pest restriction and pathogen control. Adoption of Biological Control is one such crucial technique that is currently in the forefront. Over a period of time, various biocontrol strategies have been experimented with and some have exhibited great success and promise. This review highlights the different methods of plant-pathogen control, types of plant pathogens, their modus operandi and various biocontrol approaches employing a range of microorganisms and their byproducts. The study lays emphasis on the use of upcoming methodologies like microbiome management and engineering, phage cocktails, genetically modified biocontrol agents and microbial volatilome as available strategies to sustainable agricultural practices. More importantly, a critical analysis of the various methods enumerated in the paper indicates the need to amalgamate these techniques in order to improve the degree of biocontrol offered by them.

Selection for resistance to pyrethroids in the predator Orius laevigatus.

Insecticide resistance in the natural enemies of pest species is a very desirable trait. It allows better integration of biological control with the synthetic and natural compounds applied to manage certain pests, especially secondary pest outbreaks. Insecticide resistance in predatory insects has been documented for lady beetles and lacewings, but intriguingly no cases of field-evolved resistance have been noted in any heteropteran predator. In this work, we first explored the variation in susceptibility to pyrethroids in wild and commercial populations of Orius laevigatus (Fieber). Second, we exploited this genetic variation to artificially select a strain of O. laevigatus resistant to pyrethroids. We found significant variation [median lethal dose (LC50 ) 1.6-77.0 mg L-1 ] in susceptibility to pyrethroids in wild populations of the heteropteran predator O. laevigatus, with a baseline LC50 value of 14.6 mg L-1 . We successfully selected a strain of O. laevigatus highly resistant to pyrethroids (LC50 = 1059.9 mg L-1 ). In addition, such resistance was expressed in every instar, particularly in the last nymphal stages, increasing the resilience of the whole population present in the crop facing pyrethroid application. The level of resistance achieved may be sufficient to allow survival of adults and nymphs of O. laevigatus exposed to the maximum field rate of several pyrethroids and natural pyrethrins, widely used to control a number of pests in organic and integrated pest management crops. Therefore, this strain resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids would improve the resilience of biocontrol protocols, which is an urgent requirement for wider adoption of biological control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Viral Adoption of Biological Control to Eliminate the Use of Pesticide

Viral Adoption of Biological Control to Eliminate the Use of Pesticide

Biological control in pest management in Turkey: Comparison of the attributes of participant and non-participant greenhouse farmers in government-subsidized biological control practices

The adoption of biological control methods is increasing in crop production due to concerns and awareness of consumers about food safety and pesticide residue conundrum. Biological control methods are a key component in pest management practices as they minimize the usage of pesticides, hence create less environmental and health problems. Biological control practices have been supported in Turkey since the year 2010 to ensure economical greenhouse production and to reduce the consumption of pesticides for sustainable agricultural production. This solved the pesticide residue conundrum in fresh fruits and vegetables both domestically consumed and exported. The main objective of this study was to compare the attributes of the participant and non-participant farmers in government-subsidized biological control practices for pest management in greenhouse pepper cultivation. The data used in this study were collected from 84 greenhouse growers by using a face-to-face interview in Kas district, Antalya province, in the Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey. The results show a statistically highly significant (p<0.05) relationship between the government-subsidized biological control implemented farms and non-implemented farms with respect to age of farmers, educational level, retirement status of farmers, number of workers, use of agricultural credit, greenhouse working experience, pepper yield, type of greenhouse covering, type of greenhouse ventilation, crop production system, internet usage, farmers association membership, and so on. The results also show that farmers believe biological control practices improve crop quality and yield as well as improve the environment and human health. The agricultural extension agencies and government subsidy policy played an important role in motivating farmers to intensify biological control practices on their farms. Keywords: biological control, greenhouse production, government policy, pest management, sustainability, sweet pepper, Turkey Data of the article First received: 29 November 2018 | Last revision received: 05 September 2019Accepted: 07 September 2019 | Published online: 29 November 2019 doi:10.17170/kobra-20190709594 References Abdollahzadeh G, Sharifzadeh MS, Damalas CA (2015) Perceptions of the beneficial and harmful effects of pesticides among Iranian rice growers influence the adoption of biological control. Crop Prot. 75: 124–131 Ahangama D, Gilstrap FE (2007) Constraints to the implementation of biological control in Sri Lanka, Biocontrol Sci Techn, 17 (8): 773-795 Bale JS, Van Lenteren JC, Bigler F (2008) Biological control and sustainable food production. Philos Trans R Soc London [Biol], 363 (1492): 761–776. Ciccarese, L. & Silli, V. (2016). The role of organic farming for food security: local nexus with a global view. Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society, 4(1), 56-67. EC (2013) In order to evaluate controls of pesticides in food of plant origin intended for export to the European union. European Commission, Health and Consumers Directorate-General. Final Report af an Audit, Carried out in, Turkey. DG(SANCO) 2013-6684 - MR FINAL Erkilic L, Demirbas H (2007) Biological control of citrus insect pests in Turkey. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources. (Abbreviation unknown), 2 (056): 1-6 https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c232/87abf066548b7134f7a0fbc0c7ffc625c79c.pdf FAO (2017) Good Agricultural Practices for greenhouse vegetable production in the South East European countries, Principles for sustainable intensification of smallholder farms, FAO Plant Production and Protection Paper, Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations, Rome, 2017n.230. ISSN 2070-2515. http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6787e.pdf Isin S, Yildirim I, (2007) Fruit-growers' perceptions on the harmful effects of pesticides and their reflection on practices: the case of Kemalpasa, Turkey. Crop Prot. 26, 917-922https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219406002250 Koseoglu M, Yamak R (2008). Uygulamali Istatistik. Celepler Matbaacilik, 3. Baski. Trabzon. Pretty, J., Bharucha, Z.P., (2015). Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Asia and Africa. Insects (6): 152-182. doi:10.3390/insects6010152 Sharma A, Diwevidi VD, Singh S, Pawar KK, Jerman M, Singh LB, Singh S, Srivastawa D (2013) Biological Control and its Important in Agriculture. IJBB, 4 (3): 175-180 https://www.ripublication.com/ijbbr_spl/ijbbrv4n3spl_03.pdf TOJ (2017) Bitkisel Uretimde Biyolojik ve/veya Biyoteknik Mucadele Destekleme Odemesi Uygulama Tebligi in 2017. Turkish Official Journal (TOJ, Publication date: 17.09.2017, number: 30183, Ankara, 2017. http://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2017/09/20170917.pdf Topakci N, Kececi M (2017) The development of greenhouse biological control application in Turkey: From research to practice the example of Antalya. J. Turk. Bio Cont. 8 (2): 161- 174 http://www.biyolojikmucadele.org.tr/uploads/2017-2-161-174.pdf TURKSTAT (2017) Turkish Statistical Institute, Crop Production Statistics. https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=92&locale=tr Yamane T (2001) Basic Sampling Methods. In: Translators, Esin, A., M.A. Bakir, C. Aydin and E. Gurbuzsel (Eds.). Literatur Publishing, Istanbul. 2001.

Variation in susceptibility and selection for resistance to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in Mediterranean populations of Orius laevigatus

AbstractImidacloprid and thiamethoxam are neonicotinoids that have been tested in several Orius species, including Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), but not the variability in their effect among Orius populations of a single species. In this study, the variation in susceptibility to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in 30 Mediterranean wild populations and four commercial populations of O. laevigatus was investigated in the laboratory using a standard dip bioassay method. Lethal concentration values (LC50) and the mortality of adults at the maximum field rate (MFR) were calculated. The range of LC50 of thiamethoxam was from 0.7 to 5.9 mg l−1, an 8.4‐fold variability, obtaining mortality at MFR (100 mg l−1) of &gt;89.1% in all populations. The baseline obtained a value of 2.1 mg l−1, which is very low compared to the MFR. For imidacloprid, the LC50 varied from 7.7 to 94.7 mg l−1 (12.3‐fold variability). Mortalities at the MFR (150 mg l−1) were 57.7–99.2%, that is, more variable than for thiamethoxam. The LC50 value of the baseline was 48.7 mg l−1, also low compared to the MFR. This variation was exploited to select two populations resistant to thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, respectively. Artificial selection for on average 40 cycles significantly increased the resistance to thiamethoxam (LC50 = 149.1 mg l−1) and imidacloprid (LC50 = 309.9 mg l−1). Mortalities at the MFR in the thiamethoxam‐ and imidacloprid‐resistant populations were 44.5 and 36.9%, respectively. These results demonstrate that resistance can be enhanced in biocontrol agents by artificial selection under laboratory conditions, starting with populations showing no or very low tolerance. Our neonicotinoid‐resistant populations might enhance the wider adoption of biological control by allowing punctual or hotspot applications of neonicotinoids to control several main and secondary pests.

Determinants of the adoption of biological control of the Diaphorina citri by citrus growers in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study evaluates the adoption of biological control of the Diaphorina citri and the citrus growers’ willingness to pay for biopesticides. The citrus greening continues to spread over Brazilian orchards, reaching 17.89% of all citrus trees in 2015. Utilizing data from a survey with decision-making agents from the sector, this paper used a logit model to obtain the determinants and a contingent valuation method to elicit growers’ willingness to pay for a biopesticide. Results showed high acceptability of growers to the biocontrol. Important factors regarding its adoption included experience in growing citrus, a high level of education and dependence on citrus production. Producers from São Paulo’s southern region paid the highest value for the biopesticide. We observed that worsening of the disease has led players from citrus chain to search for new forms of insect control.

Short-Term Increases in Aphid Dispersal From Defensive Dropping Do Not Necessarily Affect Long-Term Biological Control by Parasitoids.

Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)) is one of the principal aphid pests of greenhouse ornamental crops in North America. Biological control of foxglove aphid mostly relies on the use of Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, studies indicate that A. ervi may not be adapted to search for A. solani, and that in response to parasitoid attack aphids can drop and/or disperse, which may aggravate an infestation. Our goal was to further describe the searching behavior of A. ervi in the presence of foxglove aphids, the corresponding defensive behavior of foxglove aphid and the short- and medium-term effects on both pest dispersal and control by A. ervi. Behavioral observations were done on top and bottom leaves infested with foxglove aphid and a high release rate of A. ervi. Parasitoids tended to land on top leaves; however, more aphids were parasitized on bottom leaves, leading to equal numbers of parasitoid attacks in both locations. Most aphids dropped off the plant in the presence of a parasitoid. In large cage experiments, aphids were allowed to distribute naturally and A. ervi was released. The parasitoid still caused a high rate of aphid dropping. However, only a few aphids were able to successfully reach new plants, and most of these mummified over time. Our studies confirm that parasitoid-induced dispersal of foxglove aphid in greenhouse crops does occur, but also suggests this should not necessarily be a barrier to adoption of biological control, as A. ervi controls the aphids over time.

Marketing mix for the promotion of biological control among small-scale paddy farmers

ABSTRACTUnderstanding farmers’ decision process on the adoption of biological control (BC) may help in promoting adoption. This study explored for the first time the impact of marketing mix elements (product, price, promotion, and place) on bolstering BC for the management of rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker) among rice farmers in Fuman County in northern Iran. Farmers using BC were familiar with this method primarily via village councils and rural municipality organizations (Dehyaris) and then via distributors of trichocards. Almost half of the farmers (48.3%) had weak to moderate level of contact with distributors of trichocards. All four elements (4Ps) of marketing mix (product, place, price, and promotion) were effective on the marketing of BC agents. Place (distribution) mix, followed by price mix, were the most important factors in marketing trichocards in farmers’ views. According to the sensitivity to 4Ps of marketing mix, most farmers were grouped as semi-sensitive (45.6%) and sensitive (39.4%). Overall, the availability of biological agent products in the market, the affordable price of the products, and the strong relationship of rural people with village councils and rural municipality organizations (Dehyaris) are crucial factors for BC promotion in paddy fields of Fuman.

Predicting adoption of biological control among Iranian rice farmers: An application of the extended technology acceptance model (TAM2)

Biological control (BC) strategies have bolstered the ability and motivation of farmers to control various types of pests, but better understanding of farmers' behaviour for BC acceptance is still needed. This study attempted for the first time to implement an extended version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) that combined innovation diffusion theory (IDT), perceived self-efficacy, and facilitating conditions to investigate factors affecting farmers' acceptance and use of BC for the control of rice stem borer [Chilo suppressalis (Walker)] in rice fields of Mazandaran province in northern Iran. The proposed model (widely known as TAM2) was empirically tested using data collected from a survey of 179 rice farmers. The TAM2 explained 78% of the variance in behavioural intention of farmers to use BC and 82% of the variance in actual use. With the TAM2, adoption and use of BC could be adequately predicted from farmers' intentions, which were affected by perceived self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, compatibility, and perceived usefulness as the original TAM suggests. Therefore, with the TAM2 we successfully extended the TAM (in terms of model fit) by including three external factors relevant to BC, namely, perceived self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, and compatibility as antecedents of behavioural intention to use. However, the predicted direct and indirect effects of perceived ease of use on farmers' behavioural intention were not supported. The TAM2 outperformed the original TAM in predicting farmer's intention to use BC in farm practices and consequently actual use. To increase acceptance of BC, agricultural authorities should take care of creating a favorable environment which will support and encourage the use of BC at the farm level. Providing facilitating conditions, such as extension services and training, can help farmers to increase their knowledge about BC. However, more emphasis should be given on compatibility and usefulness of this technology and less on the ease of use.

Understanding adoption, non-adoption, and discontinuance of biological control in rice fields of northern Iran

Biological control of pests can reduce unnecessary pesticide applications in crop production, but research on the adoption of this strategy and the post-adoption status over a long period is limited. In this study, we examined factors affecting adoption, non-adoption, and discontinuance of the use of biological control with Trichogramma spp. for the management of the Asiatic rice stem borer [Chilo suppressalis (Walker)] in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields of Iran. Information was collected from 415 rice farmers of Golestan Province of northern Iran. A significant proportion of farmers did not adopt biological control, whereas most early adopters dropped it soon after adoption and turned back to the use of pesticides. Attributes of the biological control method and certain perceptions of farmers, such as compatibility of the technology (i.e., consistency with existing values, prior experiences, and needs of farmers), perceived self-efficacy about the method, facilitating conditions (i.e., technical support), perceived usefulness and ease of use of the technology were significant factors for the adoption. Additionally, farmers who perceived benefits of pesticide use, those who were more concerned about safe use of pesticides, those who produced high rice yields, and those who had high annual farm income were less likely to adopt biological control. On the other hand, the likelihood of rejection decreased with increased education level, perceived self-efficacy about the method, increased off-farm income, and information from plant protection staff. The likelihood of discontinuance decreased among farmers with large area under rice cultivation. Policies geared at promoting the biological control in rice fields of the study area should point out its usefulness and ease of use to farmers to guarantee continuous and long-term use after initial adoption. Local stakeholders should monitor the process of biological control adoption and support the initial stages of the process by providing technical support and effective incentives.

Motivations for adopting biological control among Iranian rice farmers

While research on biological control of crop pests is quite popular, it seldom targets motivations of farmers for adopting this practice. A survey of 283 rice farmers was conducted in Mazandaran province of northern Iran to study farmers' motivations for biological control adoption as an alternative control method of Asiatic rice borer [Chilo suppressalis (Walker)] and explain potential differences in motivations among different groups of farmers. Face to face interviews were used to address farmers' motivations based on a list of motivation statements found in previous studies and modified by extension officers and farmers who had adopted biological control in the study area. Factor analysis of a motivation list with 15 items revealed four main groups of factors explaining the adoption of biological control by rice farmers; these were ‘health maintenance’, ‘economic benefit’, ‘social acceptance’, and ‘environmental protection’. Men gave high scores to motivations related to ‘economic benefit’ and ‘social acceptance’, whereas women preferred mostly motivations related to ‘health maintenance’. Well-educated farmers (e.g., some college education) preferred motivations for ‘health maintenance’ more than farmers with lower education or no education at all. Participation in extension programs was associated with preference of non-economic motivations of biological control adoption, while membership in local associations (such as rural cooperatives or producers' groups) encouraged motivations related to ‘social acceptance’. Farmers who used family labor force in their fields or farmers who perceived pesticides as harmful substances showed strong motivations primarily for ‘health maintenance’ along with ‘environmental protection’. Small area of land under cultivation and low annual farm income were strongly linked with motivations for ‘economic benefit’. Besides economic motivations, policies for the promotion of biological control adoption should embrace a wide set of farmers' motivations when developing new and properly tailored extension programs.

Biological control adoption in western U.S. orchard systems: Results from grower surveys

As part of a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative project to enhance biological control (BC) in western U.S. orchard systems, we surveyed walnut growers in California and pear growers in Oregon and Washington about their pest management decision-making and use of BC practices. Seventy-six percent of pear growers and 54% of walnut growers reported using one or more BC practices. BC users were more likely to minimize factors that harm natural enemies than enhance natural enemy habitats or release commercially produced natural enemies. Walnut growers with more education and orchard experience, as well as larger and more diversified operations, were more likely to use BC practices. Walnut and pear growers with some certified organic acreage, who considered environmental impacts when making pest management decisions, and who used selected pest management practices (pheromone mating disruption and degree-day calculations for codling moth control) were more likely to use BC practices. BC users relied more heavily on industry publications and university-based sources of pest management information, compared with non-users. The perceived benefits of BC adoption included reduced reliance on pesticides, reduced production costs, environmental protection, protection of beneficial insects, and improved worker safety and human health. The perceived barriers to BC adoption included lack of knowledge, questionable effectiveness, high cost, and lack of recommendation by pest management consultants. Our research not only contributes to the literature on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, but also can inform future BC research and outreach by offering insight into who uses BC practices and assessment of perceived adoption benefits and barriers.

Perceptions of the beneficial and harmful effects of pesticides among Iranian rice farmers influence the adoption of biological control

Perceptions of the pros (beneficial effects) and cons (harmful effects) of pesticides influence patterns of pesticide acceptance and use among farmers in developing countries. However, perceptions about pesticide effects can vary greatly among farmers and thus continuous research is always useful for developing effective intervention initiatives. A survey of 331 randomly selected rice farmers was carried out in Mazandaran province of northern Iran to study perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides and to assess how these perceptions influence the adoption of biological control (BC) among farmers in the area. Most farmers were well aware of both pesticide effects, with slightly lower perception levels about pros than cons. The high risk of pesticides to human health was perceived as the most severe negative effect, whereas the boost of crop productivity with pesticides was the most frequent perceived beneficial effect. Although implementation of BC in the study area was quite low, most farmers expressed confidence in BC and were in favor of its adoption. High levels of education and a tendency for own consumption of produce were associated with high awareness of both pesticide effects among farmers. High income, high rice grain yields, and intense use of pesticides were associated with positive perceptions about pesticides, whereas high farming experience was associated with negative perceptions about pesticides. Perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides could predict support or rejection of BC among farmers. Well-educated and experienced farmers, farmers with frequent extension contacts and high share of family labor force in farming activities, as well as farmers who recognized that pesticide use has cons were more likely to support BC in their farms.

Social and economic factors for the adoption of biological control of Bracon parasitoid on corn Caradrina in Dezful Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran

The purpose of this study was to analyze the social and economic factors involved in the adoption of the biological control of Bracon parasitoid on corn Caradrina in Dezful Township, Khouzestan province, Iran. The method of research was causal comparative. A random sample of corn farmers from Dezful Township of Khouzestan province, Iran (n=350) was selected for participation in this study. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding the adopted biological control of Caradrina by Braconidae in corn farms located in Dezful Township of Khouzestan province. The results of the t-test showed that there is a significant difference between level of education, income, crop yield, farm size, mechanization level and participation in extension classes by adopters and non-adopters of biological control. The Mann Whitney U test (MW) showed significant differences between farmers’ awareness, attitude and access to information of adopters and non-adopters. Regression model indicated that the overall predictive power of the model (72.7%) is quite high, while the significant Chi square (p<0.05) is indicative of the strength of the joint effect of the covariates on the probability of adoption among farmers in the zone. The results also showed that the decision on the application of biological control is determined by the educational level, income, mechanization level, extension activities, biological control awareness, social participation, attitude toward biological control and access to information sources which have significant influence. Key words : Adoption, Caradrina, Braconidae, corn farmers.

Citrus growers vary in their adoption of biological control

In a spring 2010 survey, we investigated the characteristics that influenced whether California growers controlled major citrus pests with beneficial insects. We also performed statistical analysis of growers' reliance on Aphytus melinus, a predatory wasp, to control California red scale. The survey results suggest that growers with greater citrus acreage and more education are more likely to use biological control. Marketing outlets, ethnicity and primary information sources also influenced the extent of reliance on beneficial insects. In Probit model analysis, respondents with greater citrus acreage were more likely to incorporate A. melinus into their pest management, as well as those with more education and higher-valued crops. Information sources and growing region also had statistically significant effects.

The Banker Plant Method in Biological Control

In the banker plant method, long-lasting rearing units for beneficials are created in the crop by distributing plants infested with herbivores or carrying other food items, such as pollen. The method has been widely investigated over many years and used to aid establishment, development and dispersal of beneficial organisms employed in biological control. In this review, we refine the definition of the banker plant method based on previous concepts and studies and offer the term “banker plant system” to describe the unit that is purposefully added to or established in a crop for control of pests in greenhouses or open field. The three basic elements of a banker plant system (banker plant, food source, beneficials) are discussed and illustrated with examples, and the diversity of banker plant systems (classified by target pest) used or investigated is documented. The benefits of using banker plant systems, such as low cost, increased freshness of beneficials, possibility for preventive control and for integration within IPM frameworks, make the method an interesting plant protection option with potential to enhance adoption of biological control in pest management programs.

Biological control of stored-product insects in commodities, food processing facilities and museums

Non-chemical control methods have gained importance in integrated pest management, as policies aiming to minimize the application of residual chemical insecticides are being adopted by many companies, and a growing market of organic produce. The associations of organic farming have established self-restrictions concerning chemical control. Examples are given of how organically producing farms and processing companies function without synthetic chemical pesticides. Both non-chemical control methods for complete disinfestations and for suppression of re-infestation or residual infestations are needed. For complete disinfestations, heat treatment of buildings is now more widely used. Data on heat-tolerance of storedproduct pests and an example for a heat treatment of a mill will be given. For high-value products such as spices, tea or medical plants, deep freezing is applied. Temperature data are needed to apply product-specific freezing conditions to obtain complete control at the core of the bulk. An integrated management strategy is needed to keep products free from infestation following disinfestations, along the whole chain from the storage of raw products to the consumer. Biological control is a part of that strategy. A new branch of the biological control industry is developing in Europe. Natural enemies for stored-product pests are now produced in The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Traditional pest control companies are using insect parasites and predators more and more to control stored-product insects, indicating an adoption of biological control. Homeowners throughout Europe are purchasing online Trichogramma sp. to control moth pests. Biological control is especially attractive to processing facilities that are not willing to stop production for pest control operations. Small farms with bulk grain stores that are not gas-tight apply parasitoids as well. Recommendations for the application of natural enemies are presented for these examples. Finally, recent developments on natural enemies both for stored-product pests, e.g. flour beetles, and museum and wood boring pests are presented. Keywords : Stored-product Pests, Material Destroying pests, Temperature modification, Biological control