Biological Control of Apple Pests: Global Advances and Regional Insights from India

Apple cultivation continues to face serious challenges from a variety of insect pests that adversely affect yield and fruit quality. Conventional reliance on chemical pesticides, while effective, has raised concerns about environmental safety, resistance development and negative impacts on non-target organisms. In this context, biological control has gained importance as a sustainable and ecologically sound alternative. This review examines global advancements in the biological control of apple pests, with particular emphasis on innovative practices in India and other major apple-producing regions. Key strategies include the application of parasitoids, predators, entomopathogenic fungi and botanicals-based biopesticides. In India, diverse agro-ecological conditions have enabled region-specific solutions, such as large-scale use of Trichogramma spp. against lepidopteran borers, Beauveria bassiana and Metarrhizium anisopliae for soil-dwelling and foliar pests and neem formulations for sucking/defoliating insect pests. Globally, integrated pest management (IPM) programs that combine biological agents with cultural and mechanical practices have successfully reduced pesticide dependence while sustaining productivity. This paper highlights selected case studies, recent research advances and potential future directions, underscoring the importance of farmer awareness, policy support and international collaboration. Strengthening these efforts is vital for wider adoption of biocontrol strategies and for ensuring the long-term sustainability of apple cultivation.