The Conservation and Augmentative Biological Control (CABC) project develops practical, science-based strategies for sustainable pest management in Swiss specialty crops. Focusing on Drosophila suzukii Lygus rugulipennis in strawberries, apricots, and greenhouse vegetables, the project integrates laboratory studies, field surveys, and large-scale trials. By combining conservation biocontrol, which enhances naturally occurring beneficial organisms, with augmentative releases of selected agents, CABC aims to strengthen pest suppression under local conditions.
Key deliverables include validated protocols for natural enemy deployment, quantitative measures of parasitism and predation, grower-targeted guidelines, datasets, and policy recommendations. The project aligns with recent regulatory frameworks that facilitate flexible biocontrol deployment. With realistic scope and resources, CABC will generate evidence-based, adoptable strategies by 2029, supporting environmentally responsible horticulture, reducing pesticide reliance, and enhancing Swiss growers’ capacity for effective and predictable biological pest control.