Holistic and sustainable approaches for pest and stress management in horticultural crops

Abstract: The growing impact of climate change, biodiversity loss, and escalating pest
pressures poses a significant challenge to agricultural sustainability, highlighting the need for
holistic and sustainable crop protection strategies. This work examines an integrated approach to enhancing crop resilience through biodiversity conservation, biological control, and the activation of plant defense mechanisms. While previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these strategies individually, our research group is now assessing their
combined impact in various horticultural contexts. Companion planting is crucial in promoting functional biodiversity and boosting natural enemy populations. In tomato crops, intercropping Fagopyrum esculentum and Tordylium officinale has been shown to reduce infestations of two major tomato pests, Bemisia tabaci, and Tuta absoluta, while simultaneously increasing populations of the zoophytophagous predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and overall biodiversity. This demonstrates its potential to balance pest control with crop productivity. Beneficial fungi, such as Trichoderma afroharzianum T-22, have been evaluated under water stress conditions in combination with N. tenuis. Our findings indicate that T. afroharzianum enhances plant growth, mitigates oxidative stress, and reduces N. tenuis-induced plant damage, underscoring its role in strengthening plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors. Additionally, defense elicitors, particularly Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs), are being investigated for their potential to reduce pesticide dependence. In tomatoes, (Z)-3-hexenyl propanoate (Z-3-HP) has been shown to enhance resistance against key pests while minimizing N. tenuis-induced damage. In sweet peppers, HIPV exposure upregulates key defense genes, reduces infestations by Frankliniella occidentalis and Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and attracts beneficial predators such as Orius laevigatus.
This work explores the potential for integrating these strategies to develop a comprehensive pest and stress management approach for horticultural crops. By integrating biodiversity-driven approaches, including zoophytophagous predators, beneficial fungi, and plant defense elicitors, a pathway is created for more sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resilience, improve productivity, and contribute to global food security.