Trichogrammatids: Integration with Other Methods of Pest Control

Abstract

Mass production and inundative release of Trichogramma , especially T. chilonis , has emerged as a promising component of IPM program on several crops in India. Selective (safer) synthetic pesticides have been identifi ed and alternatives like biocontrol agents and biopesticides have become easily available. Chemical ecology research has opened up means of improving kairomonal utilization for enhancing the impact of mass released egg parasitoids. The concurrent use of predators (e.g., Chrysoperla ), microbials (e.g., Bt ., N.P.V.), and botanicals (e.g., neem) has been shown to be benefi cial against several caterpillar pests. The scope for enhancing the availability of refugia and fl owering plants for pollen/nectar source are reckoned as useful means of in situ conservation of native egg parasitoids. Biorationals (e.g., spinosad) also offer an eco-friendly component for integration.

Effect of Temperature on Life History and Parasitization Behavior of Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae)

“…Among these strategies, inundative biological control with egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) has shown efficient results in controlling several lepidopteran pests in many agricultural crops and forests worldwide [3,14,15]. These parasitoids can be inexpensively produced in large numbers and easily released in fields or greenhouses [16], reducing both egg hatching and subsequent crop damage caused by larval feeding [14], thus restricting the application of pesticides and contributing to the conservation of environment and human health [17]. Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti have been reported as a potential biological agent for controlling T. absoluta and C. chalcites eggs in the Palearctic region [18].…”

Temperature Tolerance in the Five Field Strains of Trichogramma chilonis from Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu, India

“…Many agricultural crops and forests pests were controlled worldwide by inundative biological control with egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)" [2]. "These parasitoids can be inexpensively produced in large numbers and easily released in fields or greenhouses, reducing both egg hatching and subsequent crop damage caused by larval feeding and contributing to the conservation of environment and human health by restricting the application of pesticides" [3].…”

The effect of different constant temperatures on biological characteristics and life table parameters of Trichogramma bourarachae Pintureau and Babault, 1988 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

“…At present, these minute parasitoids are the most widely utilized and commercially available natural insect enemies globally (Volkoff et al 1995;Hassan et al 1998). This preeminence is attributed to their effective role in reducing both egg hatching rates and the subsequent injury caused by larval feeding, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of unsafe pesticides and helping to moderate the development of resistance among pest species (Haile et al 2002; Ulrichs and Mewis 2004;Kumar et al 2013; Carvalho 2017). Additionally, it is important to note that Trichogramma parasitoids are easily and cost-effectively mass-reared using numerous natural or factitious hosts (Mills 2010; Wu et al 2015).…”