Beneficial Insects Gain Traction in Controlled Environment Agriculture

Key Takeaways:

• Beneficial insects have been used for pest control since ancient times, with modern applications gaining momentum in the early 20th century.
• The North American market for beneficial insects in agriculture is projected to exceed $300 million by 2025.
• CEA growers are increasingly adopting integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that utilize beneficial insects to combat common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Innovations in rearing techniques, targeted release systems, and IPM software are driving the growth of beneficial insect use in CEA.

The use of beneficial insects to control agricultural pests is an ancient practice that has evolved into a key component of modern integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. As far back as 304 AD, Chinese farmers were using ants to control pests in citrus orchards. In the 1920s, European greenhouse growers began applying similar principles, using predatory mites to manage spider mites in cucumbers. Today, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is seeing a resurgence in the use of beneficial insects as growers seek sustainable, pesticide-free solutions to manage pests.

Market Growth and Adoption in North America

The North American market for beneficial insects is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating it could surpass $300 million by 2025. This growth is largely driven by CEA growers who are adopting natural pest control methods to meet consumer demand for organic and sustainable produce. Factors such as increasing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of chemical pesticides, coupled with a shift toward more transparent food production, are key drivers behind this market expansion.

The North American market ranks second globally in terms of growth potential, bolstered by well-established infrastructure for the production and distribution of beneficial insects and a strong focus on reducing pesticide use.

Key Pests in CEA and Beneficial Insect Solutions

CEA growers face a variety of pests that can threaten the health and productivity of their crops. The top five pests in CEA include:

1. Aphids: Soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth. Ladybugs and lacewing larvae are commonly used to control aphid populations.
2. Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can severely damage plants by feeding on their leaves. Predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis are effective in managing spider mite infestations.
3. Thrips: Small insects that damage plants by feeding on their leaves and transmitting viruses. Predatory bugs like Orius insidiosus and soil-dwelling mites are used to control thrips.
4. Whiteflies: Whiteflies feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can lead to mold growth. Parasitic wasps such as Encarsia formosa are commonly used to control whitefly populations.
5. Fungus Gnats: These pests lay eggs in moist soil, with larvae feeding on plant roots. Predatory mites and beneficial nematodes are effective solutions for controlling fungus gnats.

Expert Insights and Industry Support

According to Greg Welfing, a professional agrologist and key account manager at Anatis Bioprotection, the most common pests affecting greenhouse vegetable and fruit growers are aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Anatis Bioprotection provides biological control solutions through two main product categories: macrobiologicals (beneficial insects) and microbiologicals (beneficial microbes and nematodes).

Welfing emphasizes the importance of preventative pest management strategies, where beneficial insects are released to protect crops before pests become a problem. “We provide weekly scouting services and pest ID training to support CEA growers,” Welfing noted, highlighting the need for tailored solutions based on the specific growing environment.

Anatis Bioprotection recently launched the Anatis Knowledge Academy, which offers both in-person and online training for growers to learn more about biological pest control and effective pest management strategies.

Benefits of Beneficial Insects in CEA

The use of beneficial insects in CEA offers numerous advantages over traditional chemical pesticides, including:

• Reduced Pesticide Use: Beneficial insects provide natural pest control, reducing the need for chemical interventions and minimizing environmental impact.
• Continuous Protection: Unlike chemical pesticides that degrade over time, beneficial insects establish populations within the growing environment, offering ongoing pest management.
• Resistance Management: Pests are less likely to develop resistance to natural predators, making biological control a sustainable long-term solution.
• Improved Plant Health: By controlling pests naturally, beneficial insects help maintain plant health and vigor.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial cost of implementing biological control may be higher, the long-term reduction in pesticide use often results in lower overall costs for growers.

Future Innovations in Beneficial Insect Use

The beneficial insect market is experiencing rapid innovation, particularly in CEA. Advances in rearing techniques, targeted release systems, and digital tools are making biological pest control more accessible and effective. For instance, integrated pest management (IPM) software is helping growers monitor and manage insect populations more efficiently, with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning playing a growing role in pest detection and management.

These innovations are expected to further enhance the effectiveness of beneficial insects in CEA, driving broader adoption and cementing their role in sustainable agriculture.

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