Biological Potential of Tropical Orb-Web Spiders in Tomato and Potato Pest Control
Research from the University of Portsmouth highlights how certain spiders can help reduce pests that threaten tomato and potato crops. These natural predators are showing promise as a component of integrated pest management, offering a way to lessen chemical reliance on farms in North America and beyond [Portsmouth University].
Leaf roll is a notorious pest that has developed resistance to many pesticides, making crop protection a growing challenge for farmers. As chemical options wane, natural predators, including spiders, are being explored as part of sustainable strategies to safeguard yields and promote ecological balance in agricultural systems [Portsmouth University].
Among the spiders studied, tropical globe-weaving species such as Cyrtophora citricola have drawn attention for pest control due to their social behavior and web-building habits. These spiders form communal networks that are less prone to cannibalism and construct expansive webs capable of intercepting a wide range of flying prey, which can help reduce pest populations in crop habitats [Portsmouth University].
In controlled trials, researchers introduced different prey into spider colonies of varying sizes, including small leafworms, fruit flies, and larger larvae that resemble common crop pests. Results showed that larger spiders tend to spin bigger webs and capture more prey, including leafworms and fruit flies, while some larger prey types were less frequently caught. This indicates a size-related efficiency that could be leveraged in pest management planning, especially when conditions favor mature spiders with extensive web networks [Portsmouth University].
The study suggests that tropical orb-web spiders could provide effective biological control against flying insect pests when spiders reach adult size. Their evolved tendency to live in groups may make them more suitable for biocontrol tasks than solitary, aggressively territorial spiders. Group living can enhance prey capture rates and increase overall predation pressure on pest populations in crops [Portsmouth University].
Spider colonies can create large, interconnected web structures that extend across significant areas, enabling a single colony to intercept pest flights over fields. These giant web networks not only trap prey but also support other spider species that inhabit the same area, multiplying the number of natural enemies available to manage pests. The collective impact of these predators can contribute to reduced pest pressure and more stable crop production over time [Portsmouth University].