Article CC BY 4.0
refereed
published

Can biocontrol be the game-changer in integrated pest management? A review of definitions, methods and strategies

ORCID
0000-0003-4514-9434
Affiliation
Justus Liebig University, Institute of Phytopathology, Research Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Germany
Galli, Matteo;
GND
118201433
ORCID
0000-0002-2820-5732
Affiliation
Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Urban Green, Germany
Feldmann, Falko;
GND
1172208549
Affiliation
Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Urban Green, Germany
Vogler, Ute Katharina;
ORCID
0000-0003-1226-003X
Affiliation
Justus Liebig University, Institute of Phytopathology, Research Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Germany
Kogel, Karl-Heinz

Global agriculture is heavily dependent on sustainable plant protection. Worldwide, the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) is being followed. IPM utilizes a range of strategies, with chemical synthetic pesticides being employed only as a last resort. However, in agricultural practice, farmers continue to rely primarily on this option. To further reduce this dependence, new strategies are being sought to strengthen the use of biological control within the IPM approach including the identification of novel non-synthetic natural compounds. Here, we discuss and report on the state of the art in biological control research in areas such as biocontrol agents and application of ecological principles. These practices can help to establish sustainable plant protection systems, with the greatest impact achieved when they are used in appropriate combinations. We highlight the conditions that currently prevent or hinder the increased use of biocontrol measures. On the background of agroecological experiences, we discuss why additional advancements in plant protection practices are imperative to more effectively break the life cycles of pests, diseases and weeds. We emphasize the significance of a judicious application of chemical control technologies, adapted to local conditions. Additionally, we highlight the key role and expertise of operators in implementing these practices and their knowledge thereof.

Preview

Cite

Citation style:
Could not load citation form.

Access Statistic

Total:
Downloads:
Abtractviews:
Last 12 Month:
Downloads:
Abtractviews:

Rights

License Holder: The Author(s) 2024.

Use and reproduction: