Steering biological control through agroecosystem diversification: the case of Harmonia axyridis
Hatt, Séverin; Tan, Xiaoling; Fekih, Ibtissem Ben; Francis, Frédéric; Noël, Grégoire; Osawa, Naoya; Pan, Yunfei; Segers, Arnaud; Wang, Su; Wyckhuys, Kris A. G.; Yang, Long; Xu, Qingxuan
Entomologia Generalis Volume 46 Number 1 (2026), p. 5 - 20
publié: Mar 31, 2026
publication en ligne: Mar 31, 2026
manuscrit accepté: Oct 31, 2025
révision final du manuscrit reçu: Oct 7, 2025
révision du manuscrit demandée: Aug 15, 2025
manuscrit reçu: May 27, 2025
Open Access (article peut être télechargé gratuitement)
Abstract
Increasing plant diversity in crop production systems has the potential to enhance natural enemies of insect pests and improve biological control. The ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a predator of multiple pests, mainly aphids. Native to Northeast Asia, this species was intentionally introduced into many countries during the early and mid-1900s. Its subsequent spread in Europe, Africa, and the Americas caused major concerns due to its competition with, and (intraguild) predation on, resident biota. As an eradication of H. axyridis in its invaded range is impossible, efforts could be made to exploit its role as a biological control agent in agricultural settings and mitigate its negative impact on biodiversity. We outline how on- and off-farm measures affect H. axyridis abundance and behaviour, both in its native and invasive ranges. Crop and non-crop diversification can provide shelter and nutritional resources for resident predators, reduce predation on non-target biota and thereby sustain biodiversity in farmland ecosystems. Drawing upon insights into the ecology of H. axyridis, we describe how annual crop successions and polycultures, companion planting, non-crop habitats, and insectary or banker plants can strengthen its role as a biological control agent in different settings. We conclude by discussing whether increasing plant diversity can potentially steer H. axyridis predation away from non-target biota. As such, our study provides guidance for conservation and biological control science and practice in H. axyridis native and invaded farmland ecosystems.
Mots-clefs
Coccinellidae • conservation biological control • Harlequin ladybird • intraguild predation • landscape management • mixed cropping • multi-colored Asian lady beetle