Biological pest control: The role of beneficial insects in integrated pest management of tomato crops

Biological control offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides in tomato pest management. This paper examines various groups of beneficial organisms, including predators and parasitoids from the families Miridae, Anthacoridae, Aphelinidae, and Braconidae, utilized in managing economically important tomato pests. Special emphasis is placed on the efficacy of these natural enemies under diverse ecological conditions, their interactions, competition, and synergistic effects within integrated pest management programs. The paper also discusses challenges in their application, such as hyperparasitism, predation, and the morphological characteristics of plants that may influence their effectiveness. Furthermore, it explores the potential for combining the use of beneficial insects with agronomic practices and biopesticides to optimize pest control efficiency. While the application of biological control in Serbia remains limited, research underscores its substantial potential in protected cultivation conditions. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of natural enemies in tomato pest management and provide a foundation for enhancing integrated pest management strategies, ultimately reducing reliance on synthetic insecticides.