Biological Control of Arthropod Pests in British Columbia Agriculture

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This initiative will address research needs of the British Columbia (BC) agricultural sector regarding management of arthropod pests. In particular, we will conduct research on the use of arthropod predators and parasitoids for biological control of key pest species. Insect and other arthropod pests continue to have substantial economic impact on agricultural production in BC. New pest species continue to be introduced into agriculture either through accidental introductions related to international trade, or as a consequence of range expansions associated with climate change. Management of pests via biological control provides a sustainable ecologically-based alternative to the use chemical pesticides in agriculture. The insectary industry produces predatory and parasitic arthropods used for biological control of pest species. BC and international companies mass rear biological control products for sale to greenhouse and other growers. In this program, new biological control products will be developed and existing products will be optimized to improve management of two key pests in greenhouse vegetable production: tomato psyllids and aphids. This work will have substantial benefits for both BC agriculture and the insectary industry. We anticipate the development of one or more new biological control products and optimization of the use of existing products during this program. We will also develop molecular-biology tools for aphid parasitois identification. These tools will be used to facilitate research and practice of bioligical control in greenhouses. Technology transfer of new products and technologies will be optimized by direct involvement of the greenhouse and insectary industries throughout the program.