Enhancing predator efficiency, the recent advances

Abstract

Three biocontrol methods include classical biological control, augmentation and conservation (CBC). Among them, CBC includes different agricultural compatible methods, which try to build up natural enemy populations and consequently improve biological control. Some of the most common conservation methods include providing shelter (e.g. beetle banks and hedgerows), supplementary foods (pollen and nectar), providing overwintering sites, increasing landscape biodiversity and nesting. Furthermore, cover crops, living mulches, which buffer the harsh environmental conditions, strip harvesting are among the other most common methods. Recently, genetic manipulation of predators has been considered as a potential strategy in biological control. This strategy aimed to manipulate beneficial genetically to more tolerant them against adverse effect of pesticides and environmental condition or increase their predation (parasitism rate). We tried to review a growing body of conservation studies focusing on practices promoting predator efficacy and performance. We will discuss how CBC practices contribute to improve pest control.

Keywords:

• Habitat management
• conservation
• natural enemies
• promoting

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.