Compatibility of insecticides with natural enemies to control pests of greenhouses and conservatories

Natural enemies used as biological control agents may not always provide adequate control of plant-feeding insects in greenhouses and conservatories. Research continues to assess the utilization of natural enemies in conjunction with biorational insecticides including insect growth regulators, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, feeding inhibitors, and microbial agents (entomogenous bacteria and fungi, and related microorganisms); and the potential compatibility of both strategies when implemented together. A variety of factors influence the ability of using natural enemies with insecticides. These include whether the natural enemy is a parasitoid or predator, the species of the natural enemy, life stage sensitivity, rate and timing of insecticide application, and mode of action of the insecticide. Insecticides may impact natural enemies by affecting longevity (survival), host acceptance, sex ratio, reproduction (fecundity), foraging behavior, emergence, and development. Despite the emphasis on evaluating the compatibility of natural enemies with insecticides, it is important to assess if this is a viable and acceptable pest management strategy in greenhouses and conservatories.