Arthropod pests damage a considerable proportion of food crops. Because the option of relying strictly on pesticides for arthropod control is becoming more unfeasible due to resistance, pesticide-related health risks, and an upcoming world food shortage, development of alternative strategies requires immediate attention. Because generalist predators feed on diverse assemblages of insect species, tremendous potential exists for pest management in cropping systems. Geocons puncapes (Say) is an important predator of numerous pests frequently found on crops such as cotton, soybean, and alfalfa. Evidence strongly suggests that this predator has excellent potential for use in augmentative biological control programs. A number of studies have investigated the requirements needed to rear this predator. Because quantities of G. punctipes suitable for mass-release are currently unavailable, Biotactics will investigate the feasibility of commercially producing this insect. Our objective is to establish rearing protocols that will allow Biotactics to economically produce this insect as a viable biological control organism for the U.S. market. A large supply of commercially available G. puncapes insects will allow further evaluation of this insect and management of an array of insect pests using IPM and biological control strategies.Applications:With the development of economical and efficient mass production of Geocons punctures, large numbers of this predator can be released at appropriate times to control a variety of insect pests in fields such as cotton, soybean, strawberry, corn, and cantaloupe. This effort has the potential of substantially reducing many arthropod pests on these crops. Use of G. punctipes for managing insect pests, such as Heliothis spp., Spodoptera spp., Lygus spp., aphids, and soybean looper, can reduce insecticide resistance, environmental contamination, and health risks associated with pesticide applications.
