S14 - Session O1 - Exploiting the potential of natural enemies to control alien insect pests

Authors: Dominique Mazzi *, Mauro Jermini, Jana Collatz, Lukas Seehausen

The increasing magnitude and frequency of introductions of alien insect pest species jeopardize established production systems and undermine efforts to promote more sustainable plant protection practices. At the same time, accelerating rates of change in climate and land use create new opportunities for pests to become invasive. Biological pest control by native natural enemies can contribute to mitigate the negative impacts of alien pests in the mid- to long-term, but natural enemy augmentation or their introduction from the pest's native range (classic biological control) may provide effective alternatives when naturally occurring natural enemies are not sufficiently abundant or efficient. We draw on studies of parasitoids and predators of pest insects introduced in Switzerland within the last decade (the spotted wing drosophila in various soft skinned fruit crops, a mealybug in stone and pome fruit orchards and a leafminer in vineyards) to illustrate the regulation potential of native and introduced natural enemies. Supported by evidence of their impact on pest control, as mediated by the host plants and the landscape structure, we discuss the significance and feasibility of crop production adaptations that may enhance the reliability, effectiveness and ultimately the uptake of biological control.