Advances in Micro- and Macrobiological Strategies for Pest Control in Berry Production Systems: A Critical Review

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Authors: Oscar Giovanni Gutiérrez‐Cárdenas, Humberto Javier López-Macías, Kolima Peña-Calzada, G. Arias‐Robledo, Guadalupe Oyoque-Salcedo, Isaac Zepeda-Jazo, Pedro D. Loeza-Lara, Martin Heil, Omar Fabián Hernández-Zepeda
Cited by: 3
References: 156

Abstract

L. are economically and nutritionally valuable worldwide. However, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides for pest management in these crops has led to ecological imbalance, pest resistance, and negative effects on non-target organisms and human health. The integration of biological control agents into sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) systems represents an alternative. This review compiles and evaluates current advances in the application of baculoviruses (BVs), entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), nematodes (EPNs), predatory mites (PMs), and parasitoid wasps (PWs) for pest suppression in berry crops. Emphasis was placed on their ecological interactions, host specificity, and compatibility within IPM frameworks. The combined use of micro- and macrobiological control agents effectively reduces key pest populations. However, field efficacy remains influenced by abiotic stressors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and chemical incompatibility. The integration of native micro- and macrobiological control agents of through conservation biological control (CBC) strategies can enhance sustainability in berry production systems. Future efforts should focus on formulation improvements, adaptive management under field conditions, and synergistic interactions among microbial and arthropod natural enemies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control Insect-Plant Interactions and Control Plant and fungal interactions

Publication details

Journal / source
Plants
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
144–144
Publication date
4 January 2026
Language
EN