Make way for the young too

Abstract: The increasing need to find alternative solutions for the biological control of both
emerging and established pest species presents growing challenges for sustainable agriculture. While biological control remains a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the availability of effective natural enemies is often limited by regulatory constraints, production challenges, and delayed accessibility. Historically, commercially available species have been marketed in few specific life stages; however, expanding the use of alternative developmental stages could offer new tools for biological control applications. Life stages’ diversification could offer unique advantages in different crop conditions and environments, allowing the improvement of pest control in new or challenging conditions.
In response to these challenges, an innovative approach focused on previously underutilized life stages of natural enemies could be considered. Specifically, the introduction of
early nymphal stage (N2) Orius laevigatus, a new formulation that employs young, non‐flying N2 instars of this well-known predator, can represent a valid alternative to the already present on the market thrips’ beneficials. Although these juveniles are highly mobile and exhibit strong predatory behaviour, their inability to fly ensures they remain within the crop, delivering consistent and localized pest control even in parts of the plant typically less accessible to traditional agents.
A practical evaluation in tunnel-produced strawberries was conducted during 2024 in
South Finland. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed that the treatment incorporating the
early nymphal stages of O. laevigatus maintained thrips populations below the economic
damage threshold more effectively than conventional approaches. These findings underscore
the potential of integrating young developmental stages into IPM programs, offering a flexible and robust tool for sustainable pest management in modern agricultural systems.