From lab promise to field complexity: an integrated approach for managing Nesidiocoris tenuis in greenhouse tomato

Abstract: In Northwestern European greenhouse tomatoes, Nesidiocoris tenuis can shift from
useful predator to damaging pest. When populations rise, plant feeding can cause serious crop losses. Growers urgently need a reliable way to suppress N. tenuis. At the same time, control measures must protect Macrolophus pygmaeus, which is a key predator and a foundation of IPM in this region. At present, there is no broadly effective solution that consistently reduces N. tenuis while keeping biological control intact. After several years of research and testing different strategies, we developed a new approach based on BB031 (a biopesticide) as part of an integrated program. We first evaluated BB031 in replicated laboratory assays to compare effects on N. tenuis and M. pygmaeus. Under controlled conditions, results were promising and suggested useful selectivity. We then moved stepwise to semi-commercial and commercial greenhouse trials. However, the strong laboratory performance did not translate well. Field results were variable, and repeated commercial trials failed to give consistent suppression. New hypotheses were tested and larger commercial trials with growers are now running. Final outcomes are still pending, but the work clearly shows why field validation is essential when developing IPM solutions.