“Cross-sector mobilization of biological control through acclimatization for French production chains”
Restoring natural balances to protect crops sustainably
The principle: drawing inspiration from nature
When a pest arrives in France, it often does so without its natural predators—those that limited its proliferation in its area of origin. As a result, it spreads unchecked and causes significant damage to crops. Biological control through acclimatization (BCA) involves introducing natural enemies that specialize in these pests. Once established, these beneficial organisms provide permanent and free protection to farmers.
An effective but underutilized method
Biological control offers the best cost-benefit ratio of all pest control methods: a single release of beneficial organisms can be enough to establish long-term control. In the best-case scenario, as recently seen with the chestnut gall wasp, it can even reduce pest populations to harmless levels. However, France makes little use of this technique and, when it is implemented, not all regions and sectors benefit equally.
The project's ambitions
MOBACCLIM aims to remedy this situation by launching a new wave of biological control programs targeting three insect pests : the Helicoverpa armigera moth, which attacks many crops, and two psyllids that transmit diseases in citrus fruits; and two invasive plants : datura and ragweed – this would be the first time in France that BCA has been used against weeds.
The project also seeks to maximize the impact of two programs already underway, one of which involves introducing the parasitoid Mastrus ridens to combat the codling moth in apples, by carrying out new introductions and post-introduction monitoring, as well as organizing the transfer of beneficial organisms and expertise to farmers and regions. Objective: to create local production of beneficial organisms to provide additional protection if the parasitoid fails to acclimatize permanently.
Expected benefits
Many agricultural sectors (apples, nuts, berries, field crops, tomatoes, citrus fruits) will be able to benefit from permanent protection solutions, thereby reducing the use of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides.
Collective mobilization
The project brings together 17 partners: technical institutes, chambers of agriculture, plant protection organizations, research establishments, and industry representatives. Together, they are working to develop these solutions, disseminate them effectively throughout the country, and train professionals in their use.
Protect by restoring balance
MOBACCLIM exemplifies an ecological approach to crop protection: rather than constantly fighting pests with chemicals, it relies on natural regulatory mechanisms for sustainable and environmentally friendly protection.
MASA, 2025 – 2029
