14.2 History of Biological Control in Iran
Protecting crops had relied on traditional practices for many centuries. It seems that
biological control has had a long history in Iran and Iranian natives knew about
biocontrol since long ago. The first written document is a book (Zakhira-eKhârazmi) composed by al-Jurjâni in which is referred to the ability of stork and
hoopoe to control harmful animals and termites (Abivardi 2001). Though no document is available to show how farmers protected their crops from pests, agricultural
products had been successfully produced for many years. It was probable that
growers stimulated naturally occurring biocontrol agents by cultivation practices.
These practices included preparing suitable conditions for the proliferation of microbial antagonistic agents; attracting the predators or facilitating their access to damaging pests (Amiri Ardakani and Emadi 2008).
The first attempt to biologically control a pest dates back to 1931 when imported
Vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis) from France was used to manage cottony
cushion scale (Icerya purchasi). The second successful example of biocontrol in
Iran was the application of Trissolcus semistriatus against the Sunn pest (Eurygaster
integriceps) (Abivardi 2001). Other biocontrol attempts included using of the
mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) and an Aphelinid (Prospaltella
berlesei) against citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and white peach scale
(Pseudaulacaspis pentagona), respectively. With the establishment of biological
control department at the “Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection” in 1984
and its expansion during 1984–1995, the importance of biocontrol became more
obvious. Mass rearing of Trichogramma wasps against different pests was one of the
most outstanding instances of successful biological control during those years
(Moosavi and Zare 2016).
The first national plan to optimize the usage of fertilizers and pesticides was a
10-year program which began in 1995 entitled OUFP (Optimal Utilization of
Fertilizers and Pesticides). One of the most important goals of this plan was a
reduction of chemical pesticides (about 35% within 5 years) with an outlook
for biocontrol; nevertheless, microbial pesticides were not considered a serious
candidate in those years. At the beginning of the project, the biocontrol agents
were propagated and released in the fields at no cost with the hope that growers
would participate and contribute to the expenses in the succeeding years. The
program was not welcomed by the farmers and their low participation impeded the
plan from reaching its full goals (Sharifi-Moghaddam 2006). However, support by
national and international organizations of the program supplied the required foundation for establishing the knowledge, strategy and manpower for the upgrading of
IPM/FFS (Integrated Pest Management/Farmers Field School) in Iran (Fathi et al.
2011). The support of FAO Regional IPM Program and GEF/SGP (Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Program) was vital to introducing IPM/FFS to
growers. The 252 pilot farms of 37 different crops were selected in 29 provinces
to draw the growers’ attention to organic agriculture and effectiveness of
biopesticides (Razzaghi-borkhani et al. 2010; Etehadi et al. 2011). In spite of these
14 Microbial Biopecticides: Opportunities and Challenges
537
Protecting crops had relied on traditional practices for many centuries. It seems that
biological control has had a long history in Iran and Iranian natives knew about
biocontrol since long ago. The first written document is a book (Zakhira-eKhârazmi) composed by al-Jurjâni in which is referred to the ability of stork and
hoopoe to control harmful animals and termites (Abivardi 2001). Though no document is available to show how farmers protected their crops from pests, agricultural
products had been successfully produced for many years. It was probable that
growers stimulated naturally occurring biocontrol agents by cultivation practices.
These practices included preparing suitable conditions for the proliferation of microbial antagonistic agents; attracting the predators or facilitating their access to damaging pests (Amiri Ardakani and Emadi 2008).
The first attempt to biologically control a pest dates back to 1931 when imported
Vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis) from France was used to manage cottony
cushion scale (Icerya purchasi). The second successful example of biocontrol in
Iran was the application of Trissolcus semistriatus against the Sunn pest (Eurygaster
integriceps) (Abivardi 2001). Other biocontrol attempts included using of the
mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) and an Aphelinid (Prospaltella
berlesei) against citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and white peach scale
(Pseudaulacaspis pentagona), respectively. With the establishment of biological
control department at the “Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection” in 1984
and its expansion during 1984–1995, the importance of biocontrol became more
obvious. Mass rearing of Trichogramma wasps against different pests was one of the
most outstanding instances of successful biological control during those years
(Moosavi and Zare 2016).
The first national plan to optimize the usage of fertilizers and pesticides was a
10-year program which began in 1995 entitled OUFP (Optimal Utilization of
Fertilizers and Pesticides). One of the most important goals of this plan was a
reduction of chemical pesticides (about 35% within 5 years) with an outlook
for biocontrol; nevertheless, microbial pesticides were not considered a serious
candidate in those years. At the beginning of the project, the biocontrol agents
were propagated and released in the fields at no cost with the hope that growers
would participate and contribute to the expenses in the succeeding years. The
program was not welcomed by the farmers and their low participation impeded the
plan from reaching its full goals (Sharifi-Moghaddam 2006). However, support by
national and international organizations of the program supplied the required foundation for establishing the knowledge, strategy and manpower for the upgrading of
IPM/FFS (Integrated Pest Management/Farmers Field School) in Iran (Fathi et al.
2011). The support of FAO Regional IPM Program and GEF/SGP (Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Program) was vital to introducing IPM/FFS to
growers. The 252 pilot farms of 37 different crops were selected in 29 provinces
to draw the growers’ attention to organic agriculture and effectiveness of
biopesticides (Razzaghi-borkhani et al. 2010; Etehadi et al. 2011). In spite of these
14 Microbial Biopecticides: Opportunities and Challenges
537