Performance-Economy-Environment multi-criteria assessment on an IPM package involving fertilization manipulation and biological pest control: a semi-field case study on tomato

Soil organic fertilization and biological control – key components of the Multidimensional Management of Multiple Pests (3MP) theoretical framework – are known to influence insect pest populations. To evaluate their combined impact, we employed the Performance-Economy-Environment (PEE) multi-criteria assessment, which considers pest control efficacy, crop yield and quality, and environmental outcomes, to develop innovative IPM packages. However, such an integrated assessment of packages involving both organic fertilization and biological control has been lacking. We conducted a semi-field experiment using the Solanum lycopersicum – Bemisia tabaci – Encarsia formosa system under two fertilization regimes: full chemical fertilization (CF) and partial replacement with organic manure (COF). We found that B. tabaci adult and nymph abundance was significantly lower under the COF regime when E. formosa was present, although parasitism rates remained similar across both fertilization treatments – suggesting comparable top-down control. This implies that the COF regime exerted negative bottom-up effects on B. tabaci populations. In addition to improved pest suppression, the COF regime enhanced tomato yield and fruit quality, as evidenced by higher lycopene and soluble solids content and lower nitrate accumulation. Environmentally, the COF regime improved soil fertility – indicated by increased soil organic matter and organic carbon – and reduced nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions by 16.25%, a key greenhouse gas. This first application of the PEE assessment framework to an IPM package integrating organic fertilization and biocontrol highlights the ecological, agronomic, and economic benefits of such sustainable pest management strategies.