Innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Systems in Orchards and Vegetable Crops

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2025 | Viewed by 12844

Special Issue Editors


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1. ESAS, Santarém Polytechnic University, Quinta do Galinheiro, S. Pedro, 1001-904 Santarém, Portugal
2 Research Centre for Natural Resources Environment and Society (CERNAS), Santarém Polytechnic University, Quinta do Galinheiro, S. Pedro, 1001-904 Santarém, Portugal
3 Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
Interests: agricultural entomology; IPM; biological control; insect dispersal; insect biolo-gy-ecology; agroecology; landscape ecology; sustainable agriculture
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Agrotecnio Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
Interests: IPM; biological control; insect biology; landscape ecology

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Agroinnova, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
Interests: vegetable diseases; biological control; pathogen antagonists; soil microorganisms

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Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: applied entomology; IPM; biological control; biopesticides; agroecology; sustainable agriculture; insect pollinators
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fruits and vegetables have multiple health benefits, with numerous organizations (WHO, FAO, EFSA, USDA) recommending their consumption. Global demand for fruits and vegetables has grown over the past decade, leading to intensification in agricultural practices in many countries. The overuse of some intensive practices (e.g., pesticide applications) is a major concern because it can lead to the presence of pesticide residues on fresh-consumed food and compromise important ecosystem services such as natural pest control and pollination that have a vast impact on the sustainability of fruit and vegetable production.

The control of pest species (arthropods, pathogens, and weeds) in an agroecosystem in an economically, environmentally, and sociologically sound manner using multiple tactics in a compatible way is the basis for integrated pest management (IPM). Accordingly, the aim of this Special Issue is to gather new scientific findings and critical reviews covering any innovative aspect of IPM in orchards and vegetable crops, including biological, microbial, chemical, behavioral, genetic, cultural and mechanical control as well as landscape management, resistant varieties, pest identification, detection and monitoring, decision tools, economic injury level and economic threshold, decision making, precision farming, and innovative strategies for IPM.

Dr. Filipe Madeira
Prof. Dr. Ramon Albajes
Prof. Dr. Massimo Pugliese
Prof. Dr. Elisabete Figueiredo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • crop protection
  • insects
  • mites
  • pathogens
  • weeds
  • pest management
  • agroecology
  • agricultural sustainability
  • pesticide resistance
  • cost-effective management strategies
  • food security

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3231 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Breeding Method for Eupeodes corollae (Diptera: Syrphidae), a Pollinator and Insect Natural Enemy in Facility-Horticulture Crops
by Hui Li and Kongming Wu
Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060664 - 4 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2022
Abstract
Facility horticulture plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by utilizing the environment efficiently and ensuring food supply. The hoverfly Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius) (Diptera: Syrphidae) performs a dual ecological function in facility agriculture as larvae prey on aphids and adults pollinate, but it [...] Read more.
Facility horticulture plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by utilizing the environment efficiently and ensuring food supply. The hoverfly Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius) (Diptera: Syrphidae) performs a dual ecological function in facility agriculture as larvae prey on aphids and adults pollinate, but it is not widely applied in agriculture due to the lack of a large-scale breeding technology. In this study, we investigated the effects of different factors on the development and reproduction of the prey (i.e., aphids), eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of E. corollae, and determined its propagation techniques. We transferred five pairs of newly emerging E. corollae adults and 40 broad bean plantlets infested with Aphis craccivora Koch to an insect cage. Aphid-infested broad bean seedlings were replaced each day to encourage E. corollae reproduction. Following hatching, we fed the E. corollae larvae with mixed populations of Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Megour japonica Matsumura and A. craccivora in insect boxes, and covered E. corollae pupae with fresh broad bean leaves. Based on the experiment results, an average female E. corollae produced 584.9 eggs. Survival, pupation and emergence rates were 91.1%, 100% and 96.3%, respectively. In conclusion, each pair of E. corollae adults produced 391 adult offspring (58.8% females). This research supplies an optimized mass-breeding technique for commercial production of the hoverfly, which will be helpful to promote its application in the production of green fruits and vegetables. Full article
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14 pages, 1823 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Driven Selection of Predatory Mirid Bugs for Improving Aphid Control in Sweet Pepper Crops
by Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, Virginia Pedroche and Alberto Urbaneja
Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050572 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1795
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that predatory mirid bugs may be an effective alternative for controlling aphids in sweet pepper greenhouses. This study examined the effect of three constant temperatures (18, 24, and 30 °C) on the life history traits of predatory mirid species [...] Read more.
Recent studies have suggested that predatory mirid bugs may be an effective alternative for controlling aphids in sweet pepper greenhouses. This study examined the effect of three constant temperatures (18, 24, and 30 °C) on the life history traits of predatory mirid species Nesidiocoris tenuis, Macrolophus pygmaeus, and Dicyphus bolivari, preying on the aphid Myzus persicae nicotianae in sweet pepper plants. As the temperature increased, the survival rate decreased for M. pygmaeus and D. bolivari, while for N. tenuis, it was the opposite, and their survival increased. When considering all the biological traits studied together, the estimated intrinsic rate of increase (rm) decreased as the temperature increased for M. pygmaeus and D. bolivari. In contrast, the rate increased as the temperature increased for N. tenuis. These results suggest that M. pygmaeus and D. bolivari are better adapted to lower temperatures than N. tenuis, which is more adapted to warm temperatures. The implications of these results for improving the biological control of aphids in sweet pepper greenhouses through the use of mirid bugs are discussed in relation to different temperature regimes. Full article
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12 pages, 1407 KiB  
Article
Determination of Hourly Distribution of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Using Sex Pheromone and Ultraviolet Light Traps in Protected Tomato Crops
by Gui-Fen Zhang, Yi-Bo Zhang, Lin Zhao, Yu-Sheng Wang, Cong Huang, Zhi-Chuang Lü, Ping Li, Wan-Cai Liu, Xiao-Qing Xian, Jing-Na Zhao, Ya-Hong Li, Fang-Hao Wan, Wan-Xue Liu and Fu-Lian Wang
Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030402 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), a leafminer that damages tomato leaves, terminal buds, flowers, and fruits, is a destructive tomato pest and is responsible for 80–100% of tomato yield losses globally. Different insect species have different courtship responses and phototropic flight rhythms. Improving the trapping [...] Read more.
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), a leafminer that damages tomato leaves, terminal buds, flowers, and fruits, is a destructive tomato pest and is responsible for 80–100% of tomato yield losses globally. Different insect species have different courtship responses and phototropic flight rhythms. Improving the trapping effects of the sex pheromone and light traps is important for constructing an IPM system for T. absoluta. The present study explored the hourly distribution of T. absoluta adults caught by the sex pheromone (on the ground) and UV light (380 nm) traps in greenhouses over 24 h. The responses of males to sex pheromone (false female) lures were detected at dawn and early morning. The responses lasted for 3 h, from 05:30 (1 h before sunrise) to 08:30 (2 h after sunrise), and 95.8% of the males were caught during this period. The peak of the male responses to the sex pheromone was detected at 07:30 (from 06:30 to 07:30, 1 h after sunrise), and 80.8% of the males were caught during this period. The flight of male (proportion of 54.3%) and female (45.7%) adults toward the UV light traps occurred from 19:30 (time of sunset) to 06:30 (time of sunrise), lasted for 11 h, and exhibited a scotophase rhythm; 97.4% of the adults were caught during this period. The peak of adults flying toward the UV light traps occurred at 21:30 (from 20:30 to 21:30, 2 h after sunset). The rhythms of males’ responses to the sex pheromone and of the adults’ flight toward the UV lights can help to reveal the mechanisms of chemotactic and phototactic responses and may play a significant role in constructing an IPM system for this pest. Full article
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8 pages, 704 KiB  
Article
Particle Films Combined with Propolis Have Positive Effects in Reducing Bactrocera oleae Attacks on Olive Fruits
by Elissa Daher, Gabriele Rondoni, Nicola Cinosi, Eric Conti and Franco Famiani
Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030397 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1754
Abstract
The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is a major pest of olive trees in several areas of the world. Testing novel preventive methods against B. oleae infestations is paramount. The use of particle film in eluding B. oleae and avoiding oviposition is [...] Read more.
The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is a major pest of olive trees in several areas of the world. Testing novel preventive methods against B. oleae infestations is paramount. The use of particle film in eluding B. oleae and avoiding oviposition is one of the main strategies adopted by olive growers; however, choices are often limited to kaolin. Under field conditions, we tested the efficacy of novel compounds, including particle films, for their effectiveness as oviposition deterrents against B. oleae. The trial was conducted from July to October 2021 in an olive orchard located in central Italy. One olive variety, Borgiona, was selected and sprayed with propolis, rock powder, kaolin, the mixture of propolis and rock powder, the mixture of propolis and kaolin and water (control). Laboratory analyses were conducted to study the effects of the treatments on the fruit maturity index. As per the field trial, the rock powder and propolis mixture caused a reduction of B. oleae infestation with respect to the control (water), similarly to kaolin. Moreover, the mixture of kaolin and propolis exhibited the best results among all treatments. When mixed with propolis, particle films showed higher protection from B. oleae than when applied alone, suggesting a synergistic effect, and demonstrating an interesting role of propolis as an adjuvant. No delay in fruit maturity was noticed. Our results indicate that the tested products have the potential to be incorporated into management programs of B. oleae, although possible side effects on olive physiology require additional investigations. Full article
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13 pages, 4502 KiB  
Article
1-octadecene, A Female Produced Aggregation Pheromone of the Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes)
by Prashant Mangalgikar, Karumuru Raja Madhura Bhanu, Vasuki Belavadi, Vinod Kumar P K, Chandrashekharaiah Muniyappa and Byrappa Ammagarahalli
Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020173 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2044
Abstract
Coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes is a serious insect pest of coffee across the world. Pheromone traps baited with male produced 2-hydroxy- 3-decanone (2H3D) attracted females, and also males. Interestingly, a pair of males and females in a cage attracted more beetles [...] Read more.
Coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes is a serious insect pest of coffee across the world. Pheromone traps baited with male produced 2-hydroxy- 3-decanone (2H3D) attracted females, and also males. Interestingly, a pair of males and females in a cage attracted more beetles compared to 2H3D traps. We hypothesized volatiles emitted from females are perceived by males. Volatiles from females were collected through the air entrainment method and identified 1-octadecene by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Release of 1-octadecene was female specific, however, both male and female antennae elicited responses in chromatography-electroantennography. Electroantennogram responses were dose-dependent in both sexes and were higher in the antennae of females. Combination of male pheromone component 2H3D, and female produced 1-octadecene at 1:2 ratio increased both male (0.69 ± 0.13; mean ± SEM in -mV) and female (0.98 ± 0.20) antennal responses. Responses to constant doses of 2H3D and increasing doses of 1-octadecene (1:4, 1:6, 1:8, 1:10) were not different from male pheromone alone. Beetle captures to male pheromone alone at 3 different doses (75, 150 and 300 mg) were not significantly different from a pair of live beetle traps. A blend of 2H3D and 1-octadecene at 1:2 ratio trapped more beetles (3.50 ± 0.65; mean ± SEM) over 2H3D alone (2.00 ± 0.82), overall, our experiments suggest 1-octadecene is an aggregation pheromone. Our results support the hypothesis that males use 1-octadecene in mate finding, and potential to use it for monitoring and mass trapping. Full article
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14 pages, 3190 KiB  
Article
Contribution of Surrounding Flowering Plants to Reduce Abundance of Aphis nerii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Oleanders (Nerium oleander L.)
by Filipe Madeira, Belén Lumbierres and Xavier Pons
Horticulturae 2022, 8(11), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111038 - 6 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
Oleander is very frequently planted as an ornamental shrub in urban areas of the Mediterranean. Its most common pest is the aphid Aphis nerii, and heavy infestations produce aesthetic damage and disturbances to the citizens, and they are frequently sprayed with insecticides [...] Read more.
Oleander is very frequently planted as an ornamental shrub in urban areas of the Mediterranean. Its most common pest is the aphid Aphis nerii, and heavy infestations produce aesthetic damage and disturbances to the citizens, and they are frequently sprayed with insecticides in order to reduce the population density. One alternative method is conservation biological control which is enhanced by the provisioning of alternative food, refuges, and reproduction sites. In this study, the usefulness of four flowering service plants (Lobularia maritima, Calendula officinalis, Coreopsis grandiflora, and Achillea millefolium) is evaluated for aphid infestation levels and aphid natural enemy abundances. Aphid levels were consistently lower in oleander plots surrounded by service plants. Natural enemy abundances tended to be higher in plots surrounded by service plants, but significant differences could not be found until the fourth year of the study, when more lacewings, total predators, and mummies were higher in plots surrounded by service plants. On these plots, hoverflies, ladybeetles, and lacewings were the most common predators. Paragus sp. and Hippodamia variegata were the prevalent hoverfly and ladybeetle species, respectively. The potential toxicity effect on the prevalence of natural enemy species is discussed. On service plants, significantly more hoverflies were recorded on L. maritima than on C. officinalis and C. grandiflora, and more true bugs were recorded on C. officinalis and A. millefolium than on L. maritima or C. grandiflora. Our results suggest that planting service plants (such as sweet alyssum, marigold, or yarrow) surrounding oleanders can improve conservation biological control by enhancing the abundance of aphid natural enemies and thus a reduction of the abundance of A. nerii. Full article
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