As the EU is discussing the inclusion of a definition for biocontrol in the Uniform Principles for the evaluation of Plant Protection Products, Tiziana Centofanti from the VIRTIGATION project provides an overview on this crucial method for plant pest control.
More natural and sustainable than chemical pesticides
Imagine a garden overrun by pesky aphids, tiny insects that can quickly devastate plants. Traditionally, gardeners might reach for a chemical pesticide to eliminate them. However, there’s a more natural and sustainable solution: biocontrol.
Biocontrol is like hiring tiny natural detectives to solve your gardening problems. Instead of using harsh chemicals, you introduce beneficial insects that prey on or parasitize the harmful pests. For example, ladybugs are voracious eaters of aphids. They can quickly reduce the pest population without harming the plants or other beneficial insects.
Another example is the parasitic wasp. These tiny insects lay their eggs inside the bodies of caterpillars or other pests. When the wasp eggs hatch, the larvae consume the pest from the inside out. This is a natural way to control populations without resorting to chemicals.
A mini ecosystem to keep harmful plant pests in check
So, why is biocontrol so important? Well, chemical pesticides can have harmful effects on the environment, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Biocontrol, on the other hand, helps to maintain a natural balance in the garden. It’s like creating a mini ecosystem where beneficial insects can thrive and keep harmful pests in check.
With this in mind, key biocontrol organisations like IFOAM Organics Europe and IBMA are calling on the European Commission to ensure the faster registration and uptake of biocontrol solutions, which would favour a significant reduction of chemical pesticides.
In this article, we firstly provide a brief overview of the history of biocontrol. We then examine the significance of having a harmonized definition of biocontrol and its relevance to broader EU policies. Following this, we present a few European case studies of current applications. Finally, we conclude with a forward-looking perspective on the future of these initiatives.
Biocontrol as a key component of IPM
The story of biocontrol is as old as agriculture itself. Ancient farmers, like the Egyptians, observed how certain insects naturally kept pest populations in check and began using these natural enemies to protect their crops. This practice evolved over centuries, with significant advancements in the 19th century when scientists like Asa Fitch and Albert Koebele systematically introduced beneficial insects to combat invasive pests. For instance, the vedalia beetle was brought to California to control the cottony cushion scale.
The 20th century saw a boom in chemical pesticide use, which, while effective, had detrimental effects on the environment and human health. This led to a renewed interest in biocontrol as a safer, more sustainable alternative. Today, biocontrol is a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines various strategies to manage pests in an environmentally friendly way.
Designed to be safe for people and the environment
In the world of pest control, different countries often use various terms for the same concept, like biocontrol and biopesticides. This can create confusion, especially for international collaboration. To address this, in 2018, the IBMA proposed a unified global term: bioprotection. This term includes a range of natural solutions for pest control, such as beneficial insects, helpful microbes, and natural extracts from plants and animals.
Bioprotectants are designed to be safe for people and the environment. They break down easily and have minimal impact on non-target organisms, unlike traditional chemical pesticides that can lead to resistance in pests. The IBMA categorizes bioprotectants into semiochemicals for communication, microbials for pest control and plant health, natural substances for repelling pests and improving plant health, and invertebrate biocontrol agents that prey on or parasitize pests.
Why do we need a new definition for biocontrol?
A clear, global standard for biocontrol products is needed to streamline the registration process, making it easier for businesses to develop and sell these products. Currently, the registration process in the EU is slower compared to other regions, making it difficult for EU companies to compete. This also hinders farmers’ adoption of biocontrol due to limited product availability and knowledge of proper use.
Biocontrol products are crucial for supporting sustainable farming systems by providing preventive and indirect plant protection strategies. Modernizing EU regulations and speeding up the registration of biocontrol agents will boost farmer confidence and investment in these innovative agricultural practices. Ensuring farmers have access to enough alternatives to chemical inputs is essential for transitioning to a more sustainable food system.
An EC study highlighted 129 biocontrol active substances ready for submission between 2023 and 2028, which could expand biocontrol use across over 28 million hectares of agricultural land.
The EU's Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
The effort to make biocontrol products more accessible to European farmers aligns with the EU’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The EU is striving to reduce chemical pesticide use and promote safer, biological alternatives. The Farm to Fork Strategy aims to cut chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030, encouraging the adoption of more biological pesticides. Complementing this, the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which relies on non-chemical methods to control pests.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports this shift by providing financial incentives for environmentally friendly farming practices, including the use of biocontrol methods. The Zero Pollution Action Plan aims to reduce pollution in air, water, and soil by 2050, with a target to cut chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030.
Together, these policies create a comprehensive plan to make EU agriculture more sustainable, ensuring food security and environmental protection.
How the VIRTIGATION project pioneers Biocontrol
The EU is making significant strides in sustainable agriculture not only through polices, but also through innovative EU-funded projects like VIRTIGATION.
VIRTIGATION aims to protect tomato and cucurbit crops from viral diseases using bio-based remedies. By developing sustainable disease management strategies, VIRTIGATION helps reduce the need for chemical treatments and enhances the resilience of agricultural systems.
This project also supports the Farm to Fork Strategy by providing practical, sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. It further aligns with the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive by promoting IPM and non-chemical pest control methods, reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. By minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides, VIRTIGATION also contributes to the Zero Pollution Strategy’s goal of protecting soil, water, and biodiversity.
Innovative Biocontrol Practices Across Europe
Across Europe, innovative biocontrol methods are being successfully implemented to manage pests and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides. In the Netherlands, predatory mites are used in greenhouse horticulture to control spider mites and thrips, common pests in crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. These predatory mites, natural enemies of the pests, help maintain pest populations at manageable levels without the need for chemical pesticides. In Germany, beneficial nematodes are used to control soil-dwelling pests such as the larvae of beetles and weevils. These nematodes infect and kill the pests, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical soil treatments.
These case studies highlight the diverse applications of biocontrol products across different crops and farming systems in the EU. They demonstrate how biocontrol can effectively reduce pest populations, minimize the use of chemical pesticides, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Unlocking the Future of Biocontrol: Key Research and Development Areas
Looking ahead, the future of biocontrol is filled with exciting possibilities and important areas for further research and development. One key focus is the discovery and development of new biocontrol agents, such as beneficial insects, microorganisms, and natural substances. Understanding their ecology, behaviour, and interactions with pests and crops is crucial to harnessing their full potential. Equally important is investigating how these biocontrol agents work to suppress pests and diseases. This involves studying their modes of action, effectiveness under various environmental conditions, and how they can be combined with other pest management strategies for maximum impact. Advancements in formulation and delivery systems are also essential.
Developing innovative ways to enhance the stability, shelf-life, and efficacy of biocontrol products, such as through encapsulation and slow-release technologies, can significantly improve their performance. Integrating biocontrol agents into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems is another critical area. Research should explore how these agents can be effectively combined with other pest control methods to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and create more sustainable farming practices.
Assessing the environmental impact and safety of biocontrol agents is vital to ensure they do not harm non-target organisms or lead to resistance development. Long-term sustainability must be a priority in their use. Finally, understanding the economic viability and market access of biocontrol products is crucial. This includes conducting cost-benefit analyses, exploring market potential, and identifying barriers to adoption. Making biocontrol products more accessible and attractive to farmers will help drive their widespread use.
Recommendations for Policymakers and Industry
To boost the adoption of biocontrol and promote sustainable agriculture, policymakers and industry leaders should take several key actions. First, streamline the regulatory approval process to fast-track new biocontrol agents and simplify registration requirements. This will help get these products to market more quickly.
Next, they should increase funding and support for research and innovation in biocontrol through grants, public-private partnerships, and incentives for research institutions and companies. This will drive the development of new and effective biocontrol solutions.
Education and training programs are essential to spread knowledge about the benefits and use of biocontrol products. These programs should target farmers, agronomists, and other stakeholders, offering training on IPM practices and the safe application of biocontrol agents.
Developing markets for biocontrol products is also crucial. Policymakers and industry stakeholders should create incentives for farmers to adopt biocontrol methods, support the development of supply chains, and promote these products to consumers.
Finally, implement systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of biocontrol products on pest management, crop yields, and environmental health. This data will inform future research and policy decisions, ensuring that biocontrol strategies are effective and sustainable.
By focusing on these areas, the EU can enhance the adoption of biocontrol, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and promote a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.