Use of Basil Ocimum basilicum and Chrysoperla externa (Chrysopidae) in Agroecological Management of Rosebushes

Abstract— The intensive cultivation of flowers in a greenhouse often presents low diversity of plant species and this limits the preservation of natural enemies for pest control. Floral resources may provide multiple ecosystem services and promote regulation of pest populations in greenhouses. Chrysoperla externa (Chrysopidae) is a predator of various pests in the Neotropical region. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and C. externa releases on agroecological pest management in rosebushes and compare it with conventional management. The greenhouse with rosebush 'Carolla' was divided in two parts, one side with diversified rosebush (rosebush + basil + C. externa releases) and the other side with conventional rosebush (insecticides, acaricides and fungicides). Arthropods were sampled weekly in the rosebushes and basil. The abundance and diversity were different between the systems evaluated. Greater abundance of natural enemies and pollinators was observed in the diversified rosebush. Basil has attracted a greater diversity of natural enemies and had a positive effect on pest control in the rosebush. In conventional rosebushes most insects were phytophagous. The production and quality of roses were not influenced by the treatments. Agroecological pest management favors the biological control in rosebush cultivation in greenhouse.