Innovative strategies that enhance the cost-effectiveness, reliability and efficacy of arthropod-based biocontrol in greenhouse crops

Abstract: Novel state-of-the-art strategies that enhance cost effectiveness, reliability and efficacy of arthropod natural enemies are reviewed. The whole chain of events to the crop and on the crop are analyzed including practical examples especially from the industry perspective. To the crop – mass rearing of the natural enemy including selective breeding, its storage and shipment, formulation and delivery to the field; On the crop – conservation and maintenance by: alternative food, open rearing systems, behavioural manipulations by semiochemicals and associative learning, pest-in-first and finally technical advice.