Implementation of biological solutions for controlling the tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici (Acari : Eriophyidae) on tomatoes – BIOLYCTOM

Tomatoes are attacked by different pests, mites and insects. One of the most important pests, uncontrolled biologically still today, is Aculops lycopersici, the tomato russet mite. Its control is based on the use of pesticides with adverse effects on environment, biodiversity and health. Phytoseiidae are the most effective predators of pest mites; some species are also predators of insects. On tomato, the predators used are not efficient enough, while Phytoseiidae are reported on Solanaceae. In a previous project funded by Ecophyto (Acarosol project 2014-2018), a predatory species, endemic from Europe, has shown a never observed efficiency to control this pest in laboratory and semi-field conditions (greenhouse). In addition, we observed high densities of this predator on mints and Phlomis fructicosa and that it could disperse from mints to tomato plants infested with A. lycopersici. The present project aims to deepen the results obtained during this previous project, whose TRL obtained was 3-4. The aim here is to determine the efficiency factors of two biological control strategies: (i) by augmentation and (ii) by biodiversity conservation within agro-ecological approaches. The expected TRL is between 5-6. The solutions investigated are based on the use and enhancement of endemic biodiversity, to avoid any risk associated with the introduction of exotic natural enemies. This 36-month project, consisting of 6 WPs, aims to (i) deepen knowledge on predator biology, (ii) characterize predator integration factors in control management strategies (side-effects of pesticides, predation on other tomato pests, reservoir effect of companion plants for pests), (iii) determine the operational factors for the implementation of the two strategies in semi-field conditions (ie release strategies, companion plant densities) and (iv) characterize the technical and socio-economic levers for the acceptability of the proposed solutions. Particular attention will be paid to dissemination with repercussions for the student’s formation (future professionals) and by the mobilization of the professionals, through an advisory committee and field demonstrations with the final aim of carrying out large-scale experiments in the DEPHY farm network. This project is based on an interdisciplinary approach and integrated methodologies (field collection, farmer surveys, laboratory and field experiments). It includes 4 partners with complementary expertise, UMR CBGP specialists in mites and food webs, UMR MOISA specialists in socio-economic aspects, the Alenya experimental unit and CTIFL (centre of Balandran), specialists in greenhouse biological control. The expected results are the proposal of biological solutions to control Aculops lycopersici, and the integration of these solutions in the technical itineraries and the economic production model. There are no biological solutions to control this pest and the expectations of the profession are very important. The results will be exploited by all, with a preferred target towards producers and development organizations since special attention is given to the autonomy of producers and wide result dissemination. Private companies have not been deliberately integrated into this project to avoid any blockage in dissemination, due to a highly competitive market, and they will also be free to exploit the results obtained.