Optimizing IPM strategies for Nesidiocoris tenuis in North America

Abstract: Nesidiocoris tenuis is an omnivorous mirid native to the Mediterranean basin that
has been introduced to other continents, including North America. While it is considered
beneficial in areas affected by Phthorimaea absoluta, its propensity to inflict damage to
tomatoes and other crops means it is now considered a pest in many regions. Additionally, with growing adoption of beneficial mirids, such as those of genus Dicyphus, producers can struggle to balance interactions between these related species. Furthermore, in North America there are no insecticides currently registered targeting N. tenuis, making it imperative to develop new tools and integrated tactics for its management. Some examples of novel tools include the use of exclusion screens, evaluation of host preferences, intraguild interactions between mirid species and harnessing N. tenuis chemical ecology. In this report, we briefly summarize findings associated with our assessments of several of these tactics, that will inform and contribute to optimizing management of N. tenuis in North America.