Combined use of zoophytophagous mirids for sustainable biological protection of greenhouse tomato crops

Abstract Tuta absoluta and Bemisia tabaci are two key worldwide tomato pests. In response to chemical control limits, the use of zoophytophagous mirid predators as biocontrol agents is being increasingly studied proposed for management these However, some species in particular Nesidiocoris tenuis , which naturally occurs European crops controversial due its ability inflict significant damage on plants (necrotic rings) parallel high predation capacity. Combining other such Macrolophus pygmaeus Dicyphus errans with N. could reduce population growth T. B. while maintaining populations below a critical crop threshold. this study, we tested effect combining M. (at densities: 10 15 individuals per plant) or without D. (five abundance all insects (predators pests) 8 weeks. We also measured leaf by plant flower rings, abortion rate) . found that combined presence rapidly significantly reduced densities adults, larvae compared when (with both densities) was only present The necrotic rings plants, higher density rate aborted flowers manipulation added provide sustainable solution multiple pests simultaneously reducing damaging phytophagous activity crops.