News » 27.05.2026 - Virus-enhanced parasitoids for sustainable mealybug control in greenhouse horticulture
The HortiScience Innovation Center (HIC), together with Cucare Diagnostics and Wageningen University & Research, is advancing applied research in sustainable pest management for greenhouse horticulture. Using a validation voucher, the partners are evaluating a biological control strategy targeting mealybugs in protected-cultivation production systems.
Mealybugs remain a major constraint in intensive greenhouse environments, particularly in high-value ornamental crops such as roses. Their ability to establish rapidly and resist conventional control measures makes them a persistent challenge, often leading to increased chemical interventions and associated regulatory pressures.
Parasitoid performance and the role of viral associations
The project focuses on parasitoid wasps as biological control agents, with a specific interest in naturally occurring viral associations within these populations. Jesica Perez, Researcher at Cucare Diagnostics, highlights that these viruses naturally occur in conventional parasitoids used in biological control programs, but their presence is not uniform across individuals.
"Some of them carry high viral loads, others low viral loads, and some are even completely virus-free." Laboratory observations suggest that these variations can significantly influence biological control outcomes.
She reports that individuals with higher viral loads had a stronger impact on the pest population, resulting in increased host mortality as well as higher emergence rates of parasitoid offspring. These combined effects indicate potential improvements in both immediate pest suppression and long-term population establishment of beneficial insects.
Stability under commercial greenhouse conditions
While laboratory results are promising, the stability of the virus–parasitoid interaction under commercial greenhouse conditions remains under evaluation. Jesica explains that controlled laboratory settings tend to show relatively stable interactions when viral levels are consistent across individuals.
However, she notes that in commercial parasitoid populations, viral levels can vary significantly among individuals and from one population to another. "This variability may reduce consistency in field performance over time, particularly in large-scale ornamental production systems with continuous pest pressure."
To address this, she suggests starting with selected populations carrying high viral loads could help achieve a more reliable and effective biological control effect in commercial greenhouses.
Target pest and validation conditions
The current validation trial at HIC focuses on Planococcus citri, one of the most economically important mealybug species in greenhouse horticulture globally. The trials are conducted under controlled environmental conditions designed to reflect commercial production systems, including temperature and humidity regimes typical of intensive ornamental cultivation.
Although the primary focus is ornamental crops, the findings are also relevant to vegetable greenhouse systems where mealybugs present increasing phytosanitary concerns.
Integration into IPM systems
A key objective of the approach is compatibility with existing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Jesica emphasizes that it is 100% compatible with existing IPM programs, as the strategy builds on established biological control agents rather than introducing entirely new organisms.
This compatibility allows integration with beneficial insects, biopesticide applications, and residue-sensitive production strategies commonly used in modern greenhouse operations.
Scalability and commercial considerations
Despite promising laboratory outcomes, several challenges remain for large-scale deployment. Potential biological trade-offs associated with selected parasitoid populations have not yet been fully characterized. Additionally, contamination from external parasitoid populations may reduce viral load consistency in rearing systems, potentially affecting long-term performance reliability.
Data-driven biological control for sustainable production
Cucare Diagnostics positions its approach within a broader framework of precision insect management. The company applies genetic sequencing technologies and diagnostic tools to develop tailored pest control strategies that can be accessed through digital platforms.
Its model emphasizes efficiency, allowing growers to receive rapid and data-driven recommendations. At the same time, it supports sustainability goals by reducing pesticide dependency and improving ecosystem health and biodiversity in greenhouse production.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
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