Copper-based antimicrobial compounds are widely applied against crop diseases although their use threatens production sustainability. Scientists Lamichhane et al. review those compounds and highlight their benefits and risks. They emphasize the potentials for their improvement and present the opportunities for alternatives.
Crop protection
Boosting biological control for diamondback moth
Diamondback moth is a significant and economically important pest of cabbage family crops. Ecologists Gurr et al. review the biological control options for diamondback moth management as sustainable alternative to – or complementary to – insecticides. They show that landscapes with a diversity of vegetation types promote natural enemy species that improve biological control of diamondback moth. For example, woodlands serve as refuges from which natural enemies can efficiently recolonize nearby brassica crops
Poaceae species as a source of bioherbicides in Brazil
The Poaceae family is the most ecologically dominant and the most economically important plant family, worldwide. It is also an important source for new molecules. Scientists Favaretto et al. reviewed allelopathy – i.e. plant growth suppression by another species due to toxic substances – in Poaceae species present in Brazil. They revealed that less than 3% of the Brazilian species have yet been studied. They advocated supplementary research on Poaceae allelochemicals with bioherbicide properties to promote sustainable agriculture.
Biological control against grapevine insect pests
Worldwide viticulture covers about 7.5 million ha and makes intensive use of pesticides The main insect pests threatening worldwide viticulture are currently two moth species. Scientists Thiery et al. critically reviewed the different options able to reduce or replace synthetic insecticide-based control. Very recent results promote the use of grassing and floral strips between the grape rows to increase pest control by spiders or parasitoid wasps. The production and release of such natural enemies have a great potential to render biological control strategies more efficient and reduce insecticide use in vineyards.
Why do agricultural insects accumulate at the field edges?
Understanding the spatial distribution of insects is important to favour pollinators and natural enemies settlement for a sustainable management of insect pests. Scientists Nguyen and Nansen reviewed an important spatial phenomenon that is widespread among agricultural insect species: why is their distribution skewed towards field edges ?
Psychosocial factors affect the management of fruit fly in Australia
The effective management of fruit fly and other pests of national significance requires cooperation between farmers, communities and industries. Scientists Mankad et al studied the potential barriers and facilitators for adoption of innovative practices able to reduce biosecurity risks. They also explored social attitudes towards the use of novel sterile insect technology. This is a worldwide topical discussion, as nations should prepare for managing increased biological and agricultural risks due to rising international trade.
The benefits of spiders to regulate aphids in an insecticide-free orchard
In order to manage agricultural pests, the promotion of food resources and habitat quality to sustain natural enemies is a promising alternative to insecticides. Scientists Cahenzli et al. showed that abundance of spiders during the previous autumn reduced fruit damage caused by the rosy apple aphid during the following summer. Indeed, larger spider web areas caught more immigrating aphids in autumn, resulting in lower numbers of aphid fundatrices in the following spring and subsequently lower fruit damage.
Productive dry pea genotypes resistant to crenate broomrape
The parasitic plant crenate broomrape is the major constraint for dry pea cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East. Scientists Fondevilla et al. identified pea breeding lines showing stable resistance to broomrape and high productivity. These lines will be particularly useful for the sustainable control of broomrape.
Cattle grazing to control weeds
Conventional oil palm agriculture relies heavily on chemical herbicides to control weeds in plantations. The overuse of chemical herbicides has adverse impacts on the environment and biodiversity. Scientists Tohiran et al. show for the first time that targeted cattle grazing can control weeds and improve avian biodiversity. The application of targeted grazing as a biological control method for weeds is in line with the expectations of greater sustainability sought by palm oil consumers and certification bodies.
Soil solarization to control tomato bacterial diseases
Sustainable heat-based techniques and exploiting solar energy, are promoted worldwide for the eradication of plant pathogenic fungi, weeds and nematodes. Agronomists Castello et al. showed for the first time that soil solarization with innovative films can also be a sustainable option for growers, especially in the Mediterranean basin, to control effectively the natural infections caused by phytopathogenic bacteria on greenhouse tomatoes.