Predator guilds for greenhouse biological control systems

Greenhouse pest management is challenging because the controlled environment and extended growing season results in a system that is susceptible to pest population explosions. Biological control is a desirable and effective approach to addressing greenhouse pest pressure because it promotes a healthier system and reduces worker exposure to toxic chemicals. The success of biological control is in part due to the many commercially available generalist predators that prey on a broad spectrum of greenhouse pests. However, little is known about the interaction between biological control agents when they are often concurrently and it is likely that utilizing multiple generalist predators to manage pests increases the potential for intraguild predation. An experiment that assesses intraguild predation between three thrips predators: Amblyseius cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae), Hypoaspis miles (Acari: Laelapidae) and Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is outlined in this presentation. A better understanding of the interactions between these predators provides growers with the knowledge necessary to maximize pest suppression and minimize costs.