Cultivating produce using biological cultivation methods is increasingly popular, especially in central and northern Europe. Italian consumers seem to have become more aware about issues such as biodiversity, nutraceutics and, more generally, a more ethical and eco-sustainable lifestyle.
Biologica,l or integrated agriculture, uses natural control methods developed thanks to experimentation. This is where the Biofactory in Ramacca, Sicily, comes to the rescue. The company covers 3.5 hectares in part of the 'Ente di Sviluppo Agricolo della Regione Siciliana (E.S.A.).
Offices, greenhouse and factory
"The Biofactory for the production of useful insects was designed and built by our technicians for a consultation on the Centrale Ortofrutticola di Cesena (BIOLAB) technological crops. Financed thanks to measure 9.5 of P.O.P Sicilia 194-1999, the structure cost €3.031 million against an initial estimate of €3.099," explains General Manager Fabio Marino (in the photo).
The building is one of the 26 in Europe that grows 30 species useful for biological and/or integrated control.
There are only two companies like this in Italy - the first is in Cesena (built in 1987/90) while the second is the one in Ramacca (built in 2001/03), which started to operate in 2006.
Ramacca is the leading company in the Mediterranean, producing considerable volumes of basic insects (Aphytis melinus, Criptolaemus Montrouzerii, Leptomastix dactylopii). In addition, it is the only example of public management among the 26 European establishments.
The structure was designed to become a flexible centre for the production of material for biological or integrated control, suitable especially for citrus fruit and horticulture in a protected environment.
The Ramacca facility was therefore equipped for the production of three insects useful for citrus fruits (Aphytis melinus, Criptolaemus Montrouzerii, Leptomastix dactylopii) as well as one insect for the integrated defence of horticultural products in a protected environment (Diglyphus isaea). The latter, however, has been temporarily shelved because the outcome was uneconomical.
But let's see what these precious insects do.
Aphytis melinus, in the photo above, is a Hymenoptera Aphelinidae and an internal parasite of the California Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii) and other species of Diaspidini such as Aonidiella citrina and Aspidiotus nerii. Aphytis melinus is introduced when adult (between March and November) and spreads throughout the citrus grove. In 2016, it defended 1,492 hectares.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (photo above) is a Coleoptera Coccinellidae, a polyphagous predator that completes the defence against the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and a number of Pseudococcidae after Leptomastix. It is introduced between July and mid-August. In 2016, it was used on 684 hectares of citrus groves.
In the photo below is a specimen of Leptomastix dactylopii. It is a Hympenoptera Encyrtidae that works against the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri). It is introduced between May and mid-June and, in 2016, it was used on 439 hectares of citrus groves.
"These three insects represent our base production and manage to contain the attacks of the most feared insects. In addition, we also have one or two species developed during a previous experimental phase. The decision to increase the list of insects available year after year depends on the risk of infestation and related commercial reasons," explains E.S.A. Development Service Manager Felice Capraro.
Felice Capraro, E.S.A. Development Service Manager
The insects produced in Ramacca can also include the following:
Anagyrus pseudococci is a Hympenoptera Encyrtidae that works against citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), vine mealybug (P. ficus) and grapevine mealybug (P. vitis). It protected 58 hectares in 2015.
Then there is Rhyzobius (= Lindorus) lophantae: a Coleoptera Coccinellidae that is a polyphagous predator of California Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii), Oleander Scale (Aspidiotus nerii), Chaff Scale (Parlatoria pergandei), Purple Scale (Lephidosaphes beckii), Glover's Scale (Lephidosaphes glowerii) and White Peach Scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona). It protected 116 hectares of citrus groves in 2016 .
Chilocorus bipostulatos: Coleoptera Coccinellida is a polyphagous predator of Aonidiella aurantii, Diaspis pentagona, Epidiaspis spp., Aspidiotus spp. Parlatoria spp, Saissetia oleae, Ceroplastes spp. Quadraspidiotus perniciosus. Useful in citrus and olive groves and orchards. It was tested in 20 hectares in 2016.
How can the company's services be accessed?
"It's simple, just contact the E.S.A. and access the ' Disciplina per la vendita degli insetti utili prodotti presso la Biofabbrica di Ramacca' (Regulation for the sale of useful insects produced by the Biofactory in Ramacca). Companies must register with the Regional Register and pay a fixed quota of €10.00 per year per hectare as an advance. The amount will then be used to balance the yearly treatment, the price of which is calculated according to the effective use of the species."
Giuseppe Greco, Coordination and Management Director
Useful insects can also be sold to public and private subjects located outside the region. "Of course the Regulation does not apply to them, so a specific price list was created."
E.S.A. contacts:
Development Services - Biofabbrica office
Dr. Giuseppe Greco
via Libertà n° 203
90143 Palermo
Tel.: 091 6200424
Fax: 091 6200449
Email: scssat1@entesviluppoagricolo.it
Biofactory in Ramacca
Dr. Salvatore Calcaterra
Contrada Margherito
95040 Ramacca (CT)
Tel.: 095 7952190
Cell.: 348 4401938
Fax: 095 7956119
Email: scssat1@entesviluppoagricolo.it
Email: sopat.palagonia@entesviluppoagricolo.it
Web: http://www.entesviluppoagricolo.it/servizi/servizio-allo-sviluppo/biofabbrica/