Banker-plant system for biological control of pests in greenhouse-grown crops

Author of the article:PAN MingZhen；LIU TongXian

Author's Workplace：College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China；College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China

Key Words：banker plant system; natural enemy and predatory mites; augmentative biological control; alternative host/prey

Abstract：Augmentative biological control using predatory or parasitic insects and predatory mites is frequently applied in pest management. Establishing self-sustaining populations of released biological control agents is the key factor affecting the success of biological control. In augmentative biological control, released biological control agents cannot sustain their population size and suppress pests effectively. The Banker plant system is a new concept for biological control. This system is considered a combination of augmentative and conservation biological control strategies. The banker plants increase the survival and reproduction of biological control agents by providing alternative hosts/prey and optimal habitats, so that they can sustain a long-term suppression of pests. In this review, we summarize recent progress and theory on the utilization of banker plant systems for the biological control of crop pests under greenhouse conditions. We also discuss existing problems in banker plant system research and utilization, and make practical suggestions for implementing such systems effectively.