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Commercial Success of ECLAIR Programme
AGRE-0062: Control of whitefly and mites in greenhouses under shelter and outdoors with the aid of entomephagi specific parasites and polyphagous predators |
Science Background
Protected crops are subject to attack by various insects and mites. Major pests include whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci) and the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) which have been controlled with varying success using chemical pesticides. However, in many areas these pests have become resistant to the majority of pesticides used.
Objectives
Hence, this project aimed to develop efficient, alternative, biological solutions for control of whitefly and mites under glass or plastic cover, specifically adapted to the climatic conditions found in the Mediterranean region.
Significant changes and results since end of ECLAIR
A number of natural enemies of the pests were identified and production and control methods optimised. The original commercial participant was the SME - Duclos, France. During the period of the project Duclos was acquired by Bunting, UK who then became additional participants in the project. Bunting was a family company specializing in insect production. In 1993 Ciba joined Bunting in a joint venture called Ciba-Bunting. In 1996, Ciba merged with Sandoz forming Novartis. The UK beneficial crop management company, which is a small part of the much larger Novartis company, became Novartis BCM Ltd. Novartis has continued to commercialize the results of this project, which led to development of three new or improved products.
Results
At end of this ECLAIR project
Considerable knowledge of protected crop ecosystems, particularly in the Mediterranean, as well as of the host-parasitoid and predator-prey relationship was obtained. This was used to develop a methodology for sustainable management of integrated crop protection under the studied conditions. Strains of beneficial insects and mites were obtained including the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, the parasitic wasps Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus spp. and the predatory bug Macrolophus caliginosus.
Current position
Novartis BCM did not commercialize new strains of E. formosa, which was first used for pest control in the 1920s.
However, a new strain of P. persimilis, which has also been used for a long time, is being marketed for control of Tetranycus urticae (red or two-spotted spider mite) on cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes. Research on the mirid bug M. caliginosus was originally carried out by Duclos in conjuction with INRA as part of this project and subsequently transferred to the UK. This resulted in a new product for control of whiteflies (Trialeurodes and Bemisia) on tomatoes and aubergines. Recent experience has shown that established populations also reduce numbers of other pests in these crops.
M. caliginosus has been available commercially from Novartis BCM since 1996. Eretmocerus mundus was unsuitable for commercialization as it could only be produced on B. tobaci, which is a scheduled pest. However, Eretmocerus eremicus (californicus) was further developed by Novartis BCM in conjunction with the University of Arizona following this project. It is being marketed in Europe and the USA (but not UK due to national regulations) for control of whiteflies on cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.
E. eremicus has the benefit of tolerating higher temperatures than E. formosa and can be used successfully with compatible chemicals where high Bemisia infestations occur. A decision-making model for biological control of pests of crops grown under glass or plastic was not realized, however a large amount of technical literature has been produced.
Impact
Commercial
Novartis BCM supply beneficial organisms in Europe and the USA. This project had a direct influence on the creation of the above mentioned new products. Their main competitors are Koppert (Netherlands) and Biobest, (Belgium) who hold 60% and 20% of the world market respectively.
Associated
Valuable research contacts made during this project have been maintained and much literature has been produced. However, Novartis BCM would be reluctant to participant in another EC-funded project due to project-related problems in finance and administration, as well as interaction with some partners.
Contacts
Author
Novartis BCM Ltd
© Copyright 2006 Policy Statements
Updated
by CPL Press:
03/07/2007
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