Biological control agents against the cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape crops

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB1) Psylliodes chrysocephala Linnaeus is the most important pest of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) crops in Europe. Control has become more difficult since European Union ban 2013 on use neonicotinoid seed treatments. This situation made challenging by development resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, only remaining conventional synthetic insecticides with which control CSFB. purpose this paper review potential biological alternatives pesticides for Only a small number studies have investigated agents against CSFB itself. More research has, however, been published two other, closely related chrysomelid pests brassica that similar life cycles, namely crucifer Phyllotreta cruciferae and striped striolata, enable us extrapolate reasonably across include entomopathogenic fungi (EPF2) such as Metarhizium anisopliae Beauveria bassiana, nematodes (EPN3) Steinernema feltiae carpocapsae, parasitoids Microctonus brassicae predators ground Trechus quadristriatus. Results vary depending setting (laboratory versus field), but several resulted mortality greater than 50% under laboratory conditions. shows viable alternative insecticides. Nonetheless, many gaps remain, current focused largely beetle, comparatively few investigating controls date limited species EPN EPF little work predators. field using are required, while contrast underrepresented EPN. Further testing existing new strains nematodes, exploring endophytic fungi, enhancing formulation application inundative strategies, conservation control. Effective should ultimately be combined cultural methods Integrated Pest Management (IPM4) systems sustainable management pest.