Augmentative Biocontrol - Step 5

Step 5: Begin Augmentative Biocontrol in One Crop

Overview: Starting in One Crop

Starting with one crop allows you to trial augmentative biocontrol on a manageable scale before expanding to other areas. This step is about building experience, testing systems, and identifying what works well in your specific environment.

Start Small

Choose one crop to begin your augmentative biocontrol program. Starting small reduces risk and helps build confidence and knowledge in your team. This also allows for fine-tuning your program without overwhelming your scouting or release systems.

Pre-Release Scouting

Before releasing biocontrol agents, scout the crop carefully to assess:

  • Pest pressure and species present
  • Pest distribution and hotspots
  • Presence of other natural enemies
  • Existing damage

Accurate scouting informs release timing, choice of agents, and release rates. It also provides a valuable baseline for evaluating post-release success.

Recordkeeping

Use consistent data collection methods before and after releases. Good records help:

  • Track pest and biocontrol trends
  • Make informed decisions about future releases
  • Troubleshoot problems
  • Communicate program progress to your team or customers

Recordkeeping tools can include scouting datasheets, spreadsheets, or apps designed for greenhouse IPM.

Quality Control: Before Release

Purchased biocontrol agents should arrive with storage and quality control instructions. Before release:

  • Inspect shipments immediately
  • Verify viability (Are they alive and moving?)
  • Check for obvious damage or contamination
  • Use an infrared thermometer to confirm that temperature remained within the recommended range during shipping
  • Contact suppliers if shipments arrive compromised as they may offer replacements or guidance

Refer to supplier-provided resources and MSU’s temperature compatibility guide to ensure appropriate storage and handling.

Post-Release Quality Control Scouting

Scouting after release is critical to assess whether your biocontrols are active and effective. Depending on the species, evidence may include:

  • Direct observation (e.g., walking predators or flying parasitoids)
  • Indirect signs (e.g., mummified aphids, parasitized whitefly pupae, or reduced pest pressure)
  • No visibility – some agents, like nematodes, may not be visible post-release

Train scouts to ask:

  • Are the biocontrol agents alive and active?
  • Is there visual evidence of their work?
  • What does successful control look like for this pest?
  • How long after release are effects typically visible?

Incorporate this scouting into your existing pest scouting systems. Encourage staff to document timelines (e.g., “Mummified aphids observed 5–7 days after Aphidius colemani release”).

Assess Your Program Regularly

Hold weekly or biweekly check-ins to review:

  • Scouting data
  • Pest trends
  • Agent performance
  • Emerging issues or delays

Encourage open discussion and documentation of successes and failures.

Troubleshooting When Biocontrols Don’t Seem To Be Working

If you’re not seeing the expected results, consider the following:

  • Are your expectations realistic? Biocontrol is preventative and gradual, not an instant knockdown.
  • Have pesticides been used recently? Check pesticide-biological compatibility using resources like Koppert’s Side Effects database.
  • Are environmental conditions suitable? Consider temperature, humidity, air movement (fans), and lighting.
  • Have deployment methods been effective? Confirm that agents were released near pest hotspots and with appropriate frequency.
  • Are you targeting the correct pest species? If pest pressure continues despite biocontrol releases, recheck pest ID or consider whether new pest species have emerged.
  • Is the pest population too high for biocontrol alone? Inundative releases or compatible interventions may be needed when the pest-to-natural enemy ratio is too high.