Multiple taxa natural enemies contribute to the biocontrol of major phytophagous arthropods in the strawberry agroecosystems of subtropical Argentina

Abstract

Subtropical northwestern Argentina is the country´s major strawberry exporter, where major pests are spider mites, thrips and aphids. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the conversion to a more sustainable production system, revaluing the role of the natural biological control service. Periodical surveys conducted on commercial and experimental strawberry farms during the last 25 years reveal a rich beneficial arthropod fauna. In these surveys, arthropods were recorded through different techniques (direct observation, netting, leaf and flower sampling, and Malaise traps), in both the crop and the surrounding vegetation. Predatory insects from 15 families belonging to six orders were recorded: Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Syrphidae, Cecidomyiidae, Dolichopodidae, Bombyliidae (Diptera), Geocoridae, Nabidae, Anthocoridae, Saldidae, Pentatomidae, Reduviidae (Hemiptera), Vespidae (Hymenoptera), Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae (Neuroptera), Phlaeothripidae (Thysanoptera). Besides, seven families of parasite insects (from two orders) were found: Tachinidae, Pyrgotidae (Diptera), Braconidae, Chalcididae, Ichneumonidae, Tiphiidae, Sierolomorphidae (Hymenoptera). Additionally, predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) and spiders (Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, Salticidae, Clubionidae, Pholcidae, Araneidae, Pisauridae, Theridiidae) were recorded. Although most of the beneficial arthropods were recorded year round, abundance peaks were observed during spring (Sept-Nov). Trophic relationships remain unrevealed.