Insect Rearing Techniques for Biological Control Programs, a Component of Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil

Abstract

This article describes the importance of rearing insects, whether on a small scale for research or a large scale for mass rearing, for use in biological control (BC) programs with macro-organisms. These inter- or multidisciplinary research programs are necessarily long-term and depend on rearing techniques for their complete development. Some successful examples of BC in Brazil are presented, including case studies of Trichogramma spp. These required broad bioecological studies that provided the basis for both mass rearing and transfer of the necessary technology to farmers. This has allowed Brazil to occupy a leadership position in biological control in “Open Fields”. For example, about three million ha are being treated with Trichogramma galloi (a native parasitoid), and about three and a half million ha with Cotesia flavipes (an exotic parasitoid) to control Diatraea saccharalis, the sugarcane borer. These natural enemies are produced by commercial firms, or by laboratories in sugar and alcohol plants themselves, in the case of C. flavipes.

Sugarcane multitrophic interactions: Integrating belowground and aboveground organisms

“…For instance, the main control management strategy employed for F. verticillioides and C. falcatum rot is control of the borer D. saccharalis (Franco et al, 2014;Da Silva et al, 2021). Notably, biocontrol strategies such as the use of Cotesia flavipes to parasitize borer caterpillars represent a good alternative to the application of agrochemical substances (Molnár et al, 2016;Parra and Coelho, 2022). Recently, it was shown that sugarcane plants infected with F. verticillioides subjected to D. saccharalis attack release fewer VOCs that are attractive to C. flavipes, highlighting an indirect benefit of this interaction, even though the fungus seems to impair larval weight gain (Peñaflor and Bento, 2019;Franco et al, 2021).…”

“…This form of biological control continues to the present day, and these parasitoids are currently released over almost 3.5 million hectares of sugarcane, corresponding to 90% of the total cultivated area ( Parra, 2014 ; Parra and Coelho, 2022 ). Due to the low cost, easy acquisition and operation of this method, in addition to its ability to reduce losses caused by the borer, it results in cost savings in the industry related to the purchase and application of pesticides and the related labor required ( Teran and Novaretti, 1980 ; Overholt et al, 1997 ; Aya et al, 2017 ).…”

“…saccharalis ( Franco et al, 2014 ; Da Silva et al ., 2021 ). Notably, biocontrol strategies such as the use of Cotesia flavipes to parasitize borer caterpillars represent a good alternative to the application of agrochemical substances ( Molnár et al, 2016 ; Parra and Coelho, 2022 ). Recently, it was shown that sugarcane plants infected with F .…”

Edible Insects in Latin America: A Sustainable Alternative for Our Food Security

“…The efficiency of insect farms in terms of feed conversion depends on rearing conditions. Temperature and humidity must be ensured to optimize the insect growth; typically, temperatures range between 20 and 35 ° C and humidity levels from 55 to 75% are required ( 60 , 63 ). For large-scale production, critical elements including research on insect biology, suitable rearing conditions, and diet formulas are required ( 64 ).…”

Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Huanglongbing in Citrus for Sarawak, East Malaysia, Borneo

“…The most successful case of biological control of ACP using T. radiata and D. aligarhensis was reported in Réunion [ 110 , 112 ]. Recently, successful control of ACP has also been reported in major citrus-producing areas such as Brazil and California, USA [ 65 , 113 , 114 ]. Parasitoid mass production was initiated in the laboratory for mass releases in Brazilian conditions [ 115 ].…”