Bug-eat-bug World: Assessing Canadian mirids for the control of greenhouse pests on tomato (Hemiptera: Miridae).

The Canadian greenhouse tomato industry relies on biological control for existing and invasive pests, but importing non-native biocontrol agents has become more difficult over time. Plant bugs in the family Miridae are omnivorous generalists native to Canada, and are persistent predators with potential for use in the control of arthropod pests. By testing feeding capacity on different pests, longevity and fecundity on different host plants, and greenhouse establishment potential, we aim to determine the potential for using these insects in a biocontrol capacity.