Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Nature-Based Solutions for insect pest management

Traditional use of synthetic insecticides poses risks to both agriculture and food systems. They can harm human health through exposure or contaminated food, and pests are developing resistance, reducing their effectiveness. In oilseed rape, the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) has become a major threat, especially in the UK and northern Europe. Since neonicotinoids were withdrawn, farmers rely on pyrethroids, yet resistance is now widespread. Reducing synthetic insecticide use must be balanced with effective pest control and crop protection, aligning with the One Health approach. EU policy, including Directive 2009/128/EC, promotes sustainable pesticide use and encourages farmers to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that are more resilient and environmentally sound. 

Implementing regenerative practices can enhance crop resilience to pests, but it’s essential to anticipate trade-offs. Practices like reduced tillage, habitat creation, crop diversification, and organic amendments foster a farm ecosystem that works with nature. These measures can strengthen crops, promote beneficial insects, and improve pest tolerance. However, leaving residues on the soil surface may increase slug pressure.

Healthier soils build stronger plants.
Regenerative agriculture improves soil structure and fertility through compost, cover crops, and minimal disturbance. Healthy soils support robust plant growth, making crops less attractive to pests.

Rotations break pest cycles.
Many pests target specific crops. Rotating crops interrupts pest life cycles and naturally reduces their populations.

Beneficial insects reduce pest pressure.
Parasitoids and other allies thrive in no-till systems, where they overwinter in the soil and help control pests.

Lower reliance on costly inputs.
Reducing pesticide use cuts costs and protects beneficial insects.

Regenerative pest management leads to fewer outbreaks, stronger crops, and a more resilient farm system.

Additional information

The Rothamsted Research Large-Scale Rotation Experiment (LSRE) is testing multiple Nature-Based Solution (NBS) interventions, such as crop rotations, diversified cropping, minimal/zero tillage, and organic amendments, applied in different combinations to assess their impact on crop protection and resilience. A key focus is the natural suppression of pests. LSRE monitors the synergies and trade-offs of these approaches, as well as their effects on crop yield, establishment, and condition. Pest dynamics require long-term monitoring. Since LSRE began, reduced tillage systems have seen increased populations of parasitoids that target oilseed rape pests. Other Rothamsted trials show that intercropping reduces pollen beetle damage, while companion planting (e.g., using turnip rape as a trap crop alongside oilseed rape) helps divert pests. LSRE is studying these interactions across contrasting systems. Off-crop habitat management also plays a role, flower-rich margins or in-field strips of companion crops support biocontrol and biodiversity, reducing pest larvae and highlighting the benefits of plant diversification.

 

Challenges 

  • Direct drilling is required if using a minimum or zero till approach. This can, over time cause compaction of soil.
  • Zero/Min tillage not always appropriate for all soil types.
  • Introducing companion plants can be costly due to seed costs and require additional costs for implementation.
  • Companion plants may counteract the efforts of one pest but could result in attracting other pests (e.g., clover is a deterrent for CSFB but attracts slugs).

Resources 

  • A direct drill
  • A plan for crop rotations and understanding of what companion plants will work with the chosen crops in relation to pests.
  • Knowledge to manage the outcomes of diverting pest attention.
Source Project
Transformation for sustainable nutrient supply and management
Ongoing | 2022-2026
Main funding source
Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, China
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