Parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera) and Biological Control in Chile: Applications and Potentials

Abstract

Global biodiversity decline and pollution, along with climate change, directly threaten food security and sovereignty. Unsustainable practices in industrial agriculture, including the introduction of non-native insects exacerbate this environmental crisis. These can invade native habitats and disrupt the ecological balance, leading to biodiversity loss. We created a database of parasitic wasp species used for biological control in Chile, examining the percentage of introduced and native species, introduction timelines, and host interactions. A total of 73% of the Hymenoptera used for biological control in Chile are exotic species. This trend has grown over decades as new species were continuously introduced, resulting in an increasing accumulation of exotic species. We also identified instances of native and introduced parasitoid species sharing the same hosts, potentially causing a spillover effect. Given Chile's high endemism in its insect population, the massive introduction of exotic species could have detrimental consequences for local biodiversity and agricultural ecosystems. Overreliance on non-native pest controllers impedes the use of existing native biological control species, increasing vulnerability to pests adapted to widely used biological control agents. We advocate for prioritizing local and native parasitic wasps to ensure long-lasting, and sustainable agriculture production in Chile while mitigating the negative impacts of exotic species.