Efficiency of Trichogramma pretiosum pupa release in soil and on plants: effects of predator protection

Authors

  • Fernando Bellesini Vigna Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP
  • Jean Felipe de Oliveira Martins Centro Universitário Moura Lacerda
  • Murilo Gaspar Litholdo Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz da Universidade de São Paulo – USP
  • Dori Edson Nava Embrapa Clima Temperado
  • Alexandre de Sene Pinto Centro Universitário Moura Lacerda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28998/rca.23.17945

Keywords:

Release technique, Biological Control, Hymenoptera, parasitoid

Abstract

The development of effective techniques for the release of Trichogramma pretiosum parasitoids in the control of lepidopteran eggs is crucial for improving pest management in agricultural crops. This study aims to investigate the predation of parasitoid-infested eggs using different release methods and to evaluate the efficacy of the loose pupae release technique in the soil. Three bioassays were conducted using paper cards containing parasitized eggs, comparing unprotected cards, cards protected in capsules with exit holes of different sizes (4 mm² and 0.25 mm²), and the release of loose pupae in the soil. The parasitism efficiency on Anagasta kuehniella eggs was also assessed. Results indicated that predation of eggs parasitized by T. pretiosum was significantly higher in the soil compared to the leaves of sugarcane and maize. Among the release methods, unprotected cards showed a much higher predation rate than protected cards in capsules, reaching 100% predation in the soil within a few days. Sugarcane areas exhibited higher predation rates than maize areas. Capsules with larger holes (4 mm²) allowed greater predation of parasitized eggs compared to capsules with smaller holes (0.25 mm²). The loose pupae release technique in the soil proved effective for controlling lepidopteran eggs, with higher pupae densities resulting in a significant increase in parasitism. This study suggests that the loose pupae release technique is a promising approach for biological pest control, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate release method to maximize control efficacy.

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References

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Published

2025-12-19

Issue

Section

Proteção de Plantas