Conservation biological control (CBC) combines a diverse set of actions aiming to enhance pest regulation
by the provision of pest natural enemies’ preservation in the crop environment. This is accomplished
through appropriate implementation practices and the creation of infrastructures of non-crop vegetation.
On most annual crops, omnivorous heteropteran predators comprise the main assemblage of native natural
enemies. Their populations, when protected from pesticides, have shown a high potential in biological
control. Aiming to promote their functioning in CBC, efforts targeted to modify the crop environment
are focusing on the determination of their non-crop host plants that can support the predators’ persistence
as well as the emigration of these predators to the nearby crops. Nonetheless, relatively few studies
seek to collect essential and adequately verified data for the practical implementation of CBC approaches.
In this review, the advances already developed are illustrated, the shortcomings are discussed and the
future research needs are highlighted in an effort to intensify efforts for CBC developments on annual
crops.