Definition and role in the reduction of phytosanitary products : massive and repeated releases of living auxiliary macro-organisms (nematodes, mites, insects) in the crop or in the soil in order to limit pest populations by predation or parasitism. This assumes the existence of breeding or mass production of these organisms.
Against which pests? Some aerial pests (aphids, mites, whiteflies, borers) and some soil pests.
On which crops? Market gardening in closed greenhouses in Reunion.
When ? When pest populations are still low. It is essential to carry out regular observations since the maximum efficiency is often reached at the first signs of the appearance of pests.
In what conditions ? The temperature (or even humidity or light) conditions to be respected for crop inputs depend on the auxiliary. They are noted on the packaging of the products. The applications of phytosanitary products must be triggered according to thresholds (reasoned chemical control) and intervene as a last resort if one effectively wishes to promote the action of auxiliaries. The active ingredients chosen must be as far as possible specific to a type of pest, and with little or no toxicity for auxiliaries.
At what dose? The number of individuals per unit area (insects, mites) or the doses (nematodes, fungi), as well as the frequency of application or release are variable depending on the beneficial, the pest targeted, the degree of attack of the culture as well as the climatic conditions. This is indicated on the packaging of the products.
Regulations : the regulations distinguish macro-organisms according to their presence or absence from a territory (each of the overseas departments being a distinct territory). Non-indigenous macro-organisms, that is to say those which are not established in the territory concerned by the introduction, are subject to regulation. A request for prior authorization must be sent to ANSES, except in the case where the macro-organism in question appears on the list of macro-organisms already assessed by ANSES, published by decree, as specified by articles R. 258-1 and following of the rural code and maritime fishing.
Working time : the various actions to be taken into account are: crop monitoring, detection and identification of pests, estimation of the rate of parasitism, preparation and distribution of auxiliaries in the crop. Their durations depend on the auxiliary, the conditioning (bulk, sachets, plates, etc.) as well as the dose to be spread and the frequency of releases.
Compatibility of alternative techniques with each other :
Crops
