The mass rearing and utilization of Trichogramma to control lepidopterous pests: Achievements and outlook

The release of mass-produced egg parasites of the genus Trichogramma to control Lepidopterous pests has gained increasing attention in the last few years. About 18 different species of this egg parasite are being used to control pests on corn, sugar-cane, rice, soybean, cotton, sugar-beet, vegetables and pine. Some information on the global use of Trichogramma is given. Trichogramma evanescens(Westw.) has been used commercially to control the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hb.) in Germany since 1980. The treated area reached about 6200 ha in 1992. The use of Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura to control the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) and the summer fruit tortrix moth Adoxophyes orana (F.R.) was started in 1990 and covered an area of c. 15 ha in 1992. Research is being carried out to select effective Trichogramma species to control other pests such as grape berry moth Eupoecilia ambiguella (Hb.), plum fruit moth Cydia funebrana Tr. and diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.).     

Maize planting time and arthropod abundance in southern Mindanao,Philippines. II. Population dynamics of natural enemies

Abstract

Beneficial arthropods were monitored in monthly plantings over 4 years in a rainfed, triple-maize cropping system in southern Mindanao, Philippines. Generalist predators and two egg parasitoids of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (ACB) did not show significant differences in abundance with respect to calendar month of planting over 39 crops. Two species of Trichogramma (T. evanescens Westwood and T. chilonis Ishii) collectively parasitized 67% of ACB egg masses and 58% eggs over the study becoming more abundant as the crop aged. The closeness of the two parasitism rates suggests that to increase parasitoid efficacy, particularly early in the crop, the best strategy would be augmentation and to increase longevity of wasps by providing carbohydrate sources to extend their searching time. Unparasitized egg masses tended to be smaller showing they were more likely to be overlooked. The ratio between the two parasitoids was 56:44 in favour of the former. Trichogramma evanescens had been introduced 2 years earlier by a government project, whereas T. chilonis probably was introduced by sugarcane estates. Prior to their introduction there were no ACB egg parasitoids in the Philippines and both are firmly established as annual parasitism levels did not continue to rise during the study. Parasitoid activity caused significant reductions in neonate ACB larval numbers beginning 7 weeks after crop emergence in an average crop. Egg parasitism rates were positively and linearly correlated with ACB egg mass density. A quadratic regression model was established between mean egg parasitism rates and egg masses size with peak parasitism rates occurring at 25 eggs per mass. Collectively 32 species of generalist predators averaged 0.9 – 1.5 individuals per plant based on weekly samplings. If ants were excluded, the average dropped to 0.1 – 0.3 per plant. Ants, dominated by Solenopsis geminata (F.), fed on ACB eggs and larvae. Coccinellids as the next most numerous were represented by three species where Micraspis crocea (Mulsant) in particular tracked ACB egg masses and probably the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) as well. Four species of orthropterans also tracked ACB egg masses. The third most abundant guild was 17 spiders with the oxyopid Oxyopes javanus Thorell and the araneid Araneus inustus (C.L. Koch) highly correlated with ACB egg mass densities. Other spiders targeted ACB moths and Atherigona oryzae Malloch adults. The predatory mirid Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter probably targeted the corn leafhopper Cicadulina bimaculata (Evans) and possibly thrips Thrips palmi Karny and Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall). The lacewing Chrysopa sp. was abundant late in the crop when aphids were present on tassels.     

Natural parasitism of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea</Emphasis> by hymenopterous parasitoids in cotton-growing areas of Çukurova,Turkey

A 4-year study of parasitoids attackingChrysoperla carnea (Stephens) in the cotton fields of Çukurova, Turkey, revealed the activities of three principal taxa:Telenomus sp. nr.suvae attacks the eggs ofC. carnea: Catolaccus sp. andBaryscapus sp. are larval and pupal parasitoids, respectively. In general, percent egg parasitism increased starting from the second half of June and into July, then decreased until the beginning of August before rising again at the end of growing season. During the early season, weekly parasitism was found to be as high as 94%. Overall, seasonal egg parasitism varied between 13.6% and 62.0% among all study sites. According to the results of a one-year field study at Hac?ali, total larval and pupal parasitism was found to be 12.5% and 55.6%, respectively. Therefore, different factors influencing the effectiveness of the generalist predatorC. carnea against cotton pests, and the differential effects of cotton treatments on both host and parasitoids, need to be evaluated.     

三种赤眼蜂对灰白蚕蛾的卵龄选择

灰白蚕蛾Ocinara varia.是近年来华南地区为害较严重的园林害虫,为筛选有效防治灰白蚕蛾的赤眼蜂种,在室内条件下比较了短管赤眼蜂Trichogramma pretiosum、松毛虫赤眼蜂T.dendroli-mi和暗黑赤眼蜂T.euproctidis对不同卵龄灰白蚕蛾卵的寄生能力和适应能力.结果显示,随寄主卵龄的增加松毛虫赤眼蜂和暗黑赤眼蜂寄生卵数均呈下降趋势,且都在灰白蚕蛾卵龄为6h的卵上寄生卵数最多,分别为15.90粒/雌和12.20粒/雌;而短管赤眼蜂的寄生卵数随寄主卵龄的增加呈先上升后下降趋势,在卵龄为24 h时达最高,为8.25粒/雌;在各卵龄段,松毛虫赤眼蜂的寄生卵数均比其它2种蜂多;当寄主卵龄超过72 h时,3种赤眼蜂的寄生卵数均显著下降.3种赤眼蜂在寄生卵龄为6h的寄生卵上羽化率最高,当卵龄超过72 h时,其羽化率均显著下降.松毛虫赤眼蜂和暗黑赤眼蜂对6h卵龄的灰白蚕蛾卵致死能力最强,而短管赤眼蜂对24 h卵龄的灰白蚕蛾卵致死能力最强.综合分析表明,松毛虫赤眼蜂在灰白蚕蛾卵上的寄生能力和适应能力最好,是灰白蚕蛾的有效天敌.     

Review: classical biological control of invasive stink bugs with egg parasitoids – what does success look like?

Although the enemy release hypothesis forms the theoretical basis for classical (=importation) biological control of invasive pests, its core assumptions are not always examined. This could contribute to unrealistic expectations for some biological control programs. In this paper we examine the assumptions that: (i) enemy release has contributed to the invasive nature of four exotic pentatomids in North America; and (ii) classical biological control with egg parasitoids has been or will be successful in reducing populations of these pests below economically significant levels. First, we review the history of biological control programs against invasive stink bugs to highlight the variable and controversial levels of success of introducing egg parasitoids against stink bugs. Then, we use simple stage‐structured matrix models to demonstrate that it may be easy to overestimate the contribution of egg parasitism alone to a reduction in stink bug population growth. Finally, we discuss what realistic expectations might be for success of biological control against invasive stink bugs using egg parasitoids in the context of integrated pest management programs. © 2020 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Pest Management Science © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Experimental inundative releases of different strains of the egg parasite Trichogramma in Brussels sprouts

The effectiveness of inundative releases of four strains of the egg parasiteTrichogramma (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) to control five lepidopterous species infesting Brussels sprouts crops in the Netherlands was examined in small-scale field experiments in 1982–1985. Strains were selected on the basis of behavioural characteristics investigated in laboratory experiments, i.e. parasitization activity at low temperature and host-species preference.Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) was the most abundant host species. Its density usually averaged between 0.5 and 2.0 eggs/plant throughout most of the season (June–September). A very high peak density of 12 eggs/plant occurred in 1982. In other years the peak was below 2.5 eggs/plant.Correspondence between the observed patterns of parasitism and behavioural characteristics of the strains was in general present. A strain ofT. evanescens (no. 57), with a high activity at 12°C, performed best againstM. brassicae. However, even its highest rate of parasitism (52%) was not sufficiently effective. A strain ofT. maidis (no. 11) performed best againstPieris brassicae andP. rapae (Pieridae), but parasitism remained low (<30%) and was generally limited to peak densities (<0.5 eggs plant) occurring in 1982 and 1985.Plutella xylostella (Yponomeutidae) was an abundant species in some years, but parasitism of its eggs was never observed. Egg densities ofEvergestis forficalis (Pyralidae) remained low in all years. The relationship between parasitims and host density and the influence of the parasite-release rate are discussed. Low host densities may have been a limiting factor for effective parasitism.Samenvatting In spruitkool kan schade veroorzaakt worden door rupsen van vijf soorten Lepidoptera. Inundatieve biologische bestrijding met de eiparasietTrichogramma (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) zou een alternatief kunnen zijn voor intensieve chemische gestrijding. In veldexperimenten (1982–1985) is de effectiviteit van vierTrichogramma spp. stammen vergeleken om de uitkomsten van laboratoriumonderzoek naar criteria voor de selectie van geschikte natuurlijke vijanden te evalueren. Selectiecriteria zijn gebaseerd op eigenschappen van het zoek- en parasiteringsgedrag van de parasieten, o.a. parasiteringsactiviteit bij lage temperatuur en gastheer-preferentie. Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) was de talrijkste gastheersooort, met een gemiddelde dichtheid van 0,2–2,0 eieren/plant gedurende een groot deel van het seizoen (juni–september). Een extreem hoge piekdichtheid (12 eieren/plant) deed zich voor in 1982. In andere jaren was de piekdichtheid ongeveer 2,5 eieren/plant. Eieren vanM. brassicae werden het meest geparasiteerd door stam 57 (T. evanescens), maar zelfs het hoogste gemiddelde seizoenspercentage parasitisme (52%) was niet voldoende voor een effectieve bestrijding. EenT. maidis stam (11) gaf de beste resultaten tegenPieris brassicae enP. rapae (Pieridae), maar parasitisme was laag (<30%) en vrijwel beperkt tot piekdichtheden hoger dan 0,5 eieren/plant, die voorkwamen in 1982 en 1985.Plutella xylostella (Plutellidae) was soms talrijk, maar eiparasitisme leek niet voor te komen. De dichtheid vanEvergestis forficalis (Pyralidae) was gering in alle jaren.Relatief lage gastheerdichtheden kunnen een beperkende factor geweest zijn voor het optreden van een effectieve percentages eiparasitisme. De resultaten tonen aan dat er een overeenstemming is tussen selectiecriteria die in het laboratorium zijn onderzocht en de effectiviteit van geselecteerde stammen in het veld.     

Parasitism of egg-batches of the cedar processionary moth<Emphasis Type="Italic">Traumatocampa ispartaensis</Emphasis> in Turkey

Studies were carried out on the egg material ofTraumatocampa ispartaensis Doganlar & Avcı (Lep.: Notodontidae) collected onCedrus libani A. Rich. A total of 95 egg-batches were sampled over two annual generations ofTr. ispartaensis. The number of eggs in each egg-batch varied between 39 and 245 and the length of the batches varied between 7 and 36 mm. The mean number of eggs per batch was found to be 119 and 122 in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Based on field data the oviposition period continued from mid August to mid September. The mean hatching rate of the host was found to be 85.8% and 88.9%, whereas the impact of egg parasitoids accounted for 11.3% and 7.4%, respectively in the 2 years.Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) was observed as the most abundant egg parasitoid, followed byOoencyrtus sp. nearmasii (Mercet) andTrichogramma brassicae Bezdenko. Based on the emergence dynamics of the egg parasitoids in the laboratory, it seems thatO. pityocampae emerged mainly in June whereasO. sp. nearmasii andT. brassicae emerged mainly in May. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Feb. 3, 2003.     

Maiszünslerbekämpfung – Bekämpfung und neue Entwicklungen beim Trichogramma brassicae-Einsatz

The European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Huebner) is a well-known and investigated pest of corn and sweet corn particularly in the southwest of Germany since a long time. Nevertheless the pest can still surprise scientists and farmers. The first occurrence of a bivoltine race of the European corn borer in South Badenia in the years 2006 and 2007 is remarkable. The European corn borer had to be controlled in the last year on an area of approx. 60.000 hectares in Germany. An important antagonist of this pest is the parasitoid Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Hym., Trichogrammatidae), which is already used for over 30 years on a continuously rising acreage for the control of Ostrinia nubilalis. The biology of the pest and its parasitoid are recapitulated particularly with regard to the biological control. The flight activities of the European corn borer are supervised with light traps in Southwest Germany. The data were inserted into a central data base at the LTZ Augustenberg, office Stuttgart (at first in 2007). The data can be used by advisors and farmers. They determinate the optimal time for the introduction of Trichogramma brassicae and optimize the application of insecticides. The annual randomized monitoring of the Trichogramma quantities and partially also qualities by the former state institute for plant protection and nowadays the LTZ Augustenberg helped to supply the farmers with good Trichogramma material. The efficiencies of the Trichogramma introduction reach up to over 70%. With the insecticide STEWARD (active ingredient Indoxacarb) similar and partly better efficiencies can be obtained. With the necessity of controlling Diabrotica virgifera virgifera with insecticides problems for the use of Trichogramma can arise – this will be discussed.     

Note: Flight capacity,parasitism and emergence of five<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichogramma</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) species from forest areas in Brazil

The flight and parasitism capacities and emergence rate of fiveTrichogramma species [T. acacioi (Brun),T. bruni (Nagaraja),T. demoraesi (Nagaraja),T. maxacalii (Voegelé & Pointel) andT. soaresi (Nagaraja)] were compared. The flight capacity of these parasitoids was assessed in test units. A tube was placed inside each test unit with a piece of card with 300Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs parasitized by one of theTrichogramma species. The emerged adults inside the test units were classified according to their position as flyers, non-flyers and walkers. Cards withA. kuehniella eggs, parasitized by one of theTrichogramma species, were assessed to determine the parasitism rate and emergence of these natural enemies. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability.Trichogramma maxacalii exhibited better flight capacity than the other species, in addition to good parasitism rate and high percentage of emergence. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 10, 2007.     

New Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) parasitoids of forest insect pests in Bulgaria

During the period 1989–1998 investigations were carried out on the parasitoids of some forest insect pests in Bulgaria. Twenty-one ichneumonid species are reported for the first time in Bulgaria as parasitoids of different coleopteran, lepidopteran, and hymenopteran hosts. From these, 6 parasitoids are new records for the parasitoid complexes of the hosts:Exochus decoratus Holmgr. onEudemis profundana (Den. & Schiff.) andGelechia turpella (Den. & Schiff.);Lissonota culiciformis Grav.—onParanthrene tabaniformis (Rott.);Lissonota unicincta Holmgr.—onG. turpella; Xorides gracilicornis (Grav.)—onXylotrechus sp.; andEriborus terebrator Aubert—onClostera anastomosis (L.). Most parasitoids developed as primary parasitoids in the hosts.Itoplectis alternans (Grav.) is a primary parasitoid ofNycteola asiatica (Krul.) and a hyperparasitoid ofE. terebrator: Acropimpla pictipes (Grav.) is secondary parasitoid onAnacampsis populella (Cl.). With the exception of two species ofOlesicampes genus, which destroyed over 50% ofStauronematus compressicornis (F.) andPristophora conjugata (Dahlm.) larvae, andE. terebrator which killed 15.4% ofC. anastomosis population, the rest of the parasitoids occurred in low densities, and did not play an important role in reducing the number of their hosts.     

Tortricid pests in orchards and viticulture,from basic data sampling to Internet warning service*

Cydia pomonella, Cydia funebrana, Eupoecilia ambiguella and Lobesia botrana are key pests in orchards and viticulture. The specific situation in Austria makes it impossible to use pheromone traps for decision making without additional information. Models based on temperature sums give information on the expected beginning of moth emergence and egg‐laying activity, but not on the intensity of reproduction over a period of time. An additional method for advisory services on tortricid pests, the‘branch cage technique’, has been developed and introduced in Austria. The technique is described in detail. At the beginning of the season, overwintered larvae or pupae are exposed in a so‐called branch cage in the field. As they emerge, adults are transferred from the branch cage into an egg‐laying box with an exchangeable polyethylene foil inside, offered to the females for egg laying. This technique monitors reproductive activity over a period of time and can be used even for following generations of adults during the season. The results of branch cage stations with (updated) information on moth emergence, egg laying and hatching of caterpillars are published within the Internet plant protection service of the BFL.     

Weed Suppression of Living Mulch in Sugar Beets

Weed suppression in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris.) is commonly achieved with two to three post-emergent herbicide applications across the entire field. Field studies were performed, in order to investigate the weed suppressing ability of Medicago lupulina, Trifolium subterraneum and a mixture of Lolium perenne and Festuca pratensis as living mulches in sugar beet at four locations in South Germany during 2014 and 2015. Living mulches were sown 2 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) of sugar beet. Weed densities ranged from 0 to 143 plants m^?2 with Chenopodium album, Polygonum convolvulus and Polygonum aviculare being the most abundant weed species. It has been found that living mulches could reduce herbicide input up to 65?%. Weed suppression of living mulch was highest with Trifolium subterraneum (71?%). The early sown living mulches (2 DAS) revealed a 28 g m^?2 higher biomass compared to late sowing (30 DAS). However, no any linear correlation was found between living mulch biomass and weed suppression. White sugar yield (WSY) was highest in the herbicide treatments (12.6 t ha^?1). Trifolium subterraneum yielded the highest WSY of the living mulches with 11.1 t ha^?1 across all locations. Our work reveals that living mulch can play a major role in integrated plant protection by reducing herbicides in sugar beet production.     

Insecticide selectivity to two species of Trichogramma in three different hosts, as determined by IOBC/WPRS methodology

BACKGROUND: The use of Trichogramma species is a potential key strategy in integrated pest management. However, its effectiveness depends on the use of chemicals that do not interfere with parasitism and parasite population growth. Here, a study was made of the effects of synthetic insecticides on Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma exiguum in different hosts (Ephestia kuehniella, Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera frugiperda) and the influence of International Organisation for Biological Control (IOBC/WPRS) methodology in selectivity studies using different Trichogramma species. The insecticides used were commercial formulations (triflumuron at a concentration of 0.2 mL L^?1 water, etofenprox at a concentration of 0.47 mL L^?1 water and endosulfan at a concentration of 7.5 mL L^?1 water); the control treatment consisted of distilled water. Eggs attached to cardboard cards were offered to parasitoids inside glass cages. Parasitised eggs, parasitism and adult emergence rates and parasitism reduction were evaluated. RESULTS: Endosulfan and etofenprox, classified as class‐4 toxic products, were extremely toxic to the parasitoids. Triflumuron, classified as a non‐toxic product, was selective to the parasitoids in eggs of all hosts. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology recommended by IOBC/WPRS influenced results regarding the use of different species of parasitoids, and the use of a single parasitoid species in their experiment is questionable. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Note: Tachinid parasitoids of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ancyrosoma leucogrammes</Emphasis> and notes on parasitization rates of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clytiomya dupuisi</Emphasis>

The study deals with the tachinid parasitoids ofAncyrosoma leucogrammes (Gmelin) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae):Clytiomya dupuisi Kugler,Clytiomya sola (Rondani) andGymnosoma clavatum (Rohdendorf) (Diptera: Tachinidae). All species are recorded for the first time as parasitoids ofA. leucogrammes, andC. dupuisi was reared for the first time from a host. The parasitization rates ofC. dupuisi on adults ofA. leucogrammes varied from 7% to 9% between 1994 and 1999.C. sola andG. clavatum were reared in only small numbers. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 10, 2003.     

Egg and larval parasitoids of the beet armyworm<Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera exigua</Emphasis> on maize in Turkey

The present study was conducted to determine egg and larval parasitoids of the beet armywormSpodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is an important but sporadic pest in Turkey. High beet armyworm population levels were recently observed in fields of first and second crop maize in the southeast Mediterranean region of Turkey. The parasitoid species complex and its impact on the pest were analyzed in a 4-year study in first and second crop maize. The braconid larval parasitoidsMicroplitis rufiventris Kokujev,M. tuberculifer Wesmael,Meteorus ictericus Nees,Chelonus obscuratus (Herrich Schäffer) (an egg-larval parasitoid),Apanteles ruficrus (Haliday); the ichneumonid larval parasitoidsHyposoter didymator (Thunberg) andSinophorus xanthostomus Gravenhorst; and the egg parasitoidTrichogramma evanescens (Westwood) were found to be the natural enemies attacking the pest. Among the parasitoid species the solitary endoparasitoidH. didymator was the most prevalent species, being reared from 40.5% of the parasitized larvae found. Higher parasitism rates were recorded on first crop than on second crop maize in every year. Possible reasons for this difference in larval parasitism between two growing seasons include lower population of the pest and reduced insecticide applications in first crop maize fields which permitted higher parasitism. However, parasitoid activity was insufficient to counterbalance the population growth of the pest on subsequent second crop maize.     

Feldstudie zum Nachweis und zur Regulation von Weizenschädlingen und natürlichen Antagonisten

Wheat insect pests and the beneficial arthropod populations were assessed using sweep net across a large scale winter wheat field in Bad Lausick (Free State of Saxony, Germany) before and after insecticide applications. The insecticides used were Karate (pyrethroid), Biscaya (neonicotinoid) and NeemAzal T/S (botanical insecticide). The tested compounds were sprayed twice during the early season growth stage (Elongation- GS 32) and at the heading stage (GS 55), and their effects were evaluated on wheat insect pests. The side effects of these insecticides on associated natural enemies were also studied. Monitoring was conducted for 4 weeks after each treatment. Cereal aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, cereal leaf beetles, cereal bugs and also many natural enemies such as predators (lady beetles, lacewings, syrphids, dance flies and spiders) and parasitoids (parasitic wasps) were surveyed. The dose of these insecticides resulted in reductions of wheat insect and natural enemy populations and this reduction was corrected based on Abbott equation. The results showed that Karate is correlated with the highest percentage reduction (79.5 %) to wheat insect pests. Karate use also resulted in a percentage reduction to natural enemies (30–60 %). Biscaya and NeemAzal T/S is correlated with an equivalent mortality percents (50–65 %) to wheat insect pests and resulted in a smaller percentage reduction of natural enemies (10–40 %) compared to Karate. Thrips and cereal bugs were more affected than leafhoppers. Lacewings and dance flies were more susceptible; while spider, syrphids and parasitoid wasps were more tolerant. Compatibility between natural insecticides and natural enemies is highly required to keep the environment clean.     

Identification by meconia of two egg parasitoids ofThaumetopoea wilkinsoni

Baryscapus servadeii (Dom.) andOoencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) were the most frequent egg parasitoids ofThaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams (Lep.: Thaumetopoeidae) in the Mountains of Lahav, Israel. Their meconia, remaining in the eggs, differ in structure and can be used to determine the annual rate of parasitism without collecting emergent adults. InB. servadeii, diapausing insects can be discriminated from non-diapausing ones by their meconia.     

Die biologische Bekämpfung des Eukalyptusblattsaugers Ctenarytaina eucalypti (Maskell) (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) durch die Erzwespe Psyllaephagus pilosus Noyes (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) – eine Erfolgsgeschichte in Kalifornien und Westeuropa, aber auch in Sachsen

The Australian psyllid Ctenarytaina eucalypti has been accidentally introduced into many parts of the world. In America as well as in Europe it caused severe damage on Eucalyptus cut-foliage plantations. Insecticide treatments have proven to be expensive and not-sustainable. Therefore a biocontrol project was carried out in the Center for Biological Control at Berkely, California. The search for a monophagous parasitoid of the blue gum psyllid in the natural habitat in Australia and New Zealand was successful. After quarantine for elimination of hyperparasitoids the natural enemy Psyllaephagus pilosus has been released in Californian Eucalyptus plantations since 1993. It established itself rapidly, resulting in a decrease of the pest below the economic threshold. Following this impressive effect the parasitoid has also been released in some West European countries. The rapid spread over great territories was similar. The parasitization rates reached 100 percent, providing a sustainable control of the psyllid. In the last years several accidental introductions of C. eucalypti into Germany occurred. The first record in Saxony was in 2000 in the botanical garden of the Dresden University of Technology on Eucalyptus globulus. However, the spontaneous attack of the blue gum psyllid by P. pilosus during the next two years eradicated the infestation. To avoid a possible threat to natural ecosystems, the well-directed future use of exotic biological control agents against unintentionally introduced pests is in urgent need of a legal regulation at the EU or national level in Germany. The FAO and EPPO standards on this topic should be considered as a basis for this.     

Effect of different hosts onThaumetopoea pityocampa populations in northeast Portugal

A study was carried out at the Natural Park of Montesinho, NE Portugal, in order to evaluate the effect of different pine species (Pinus pinaster Ait.,P. nigra Arn. andP. sylvestris L.) onThaumetopoea pityocampa populations. The structure of the egg batches, the impact of the egg parasitoids on natural mortality of the pest and the species of parasitoids present, as well as their emergence dynamics, were analyzed. The length of the egg batches varied among pine species with the longest ones onP. nigra. The mean number of eggs per batch differed betweenP. sylvestris and the two other hosts studied, with fewer eggs per batch on the first. No differences were found in the size of eggs among pine species. The egg mortality varied between 25.8% and 33.0%, with no differences among hosts. Parasitism was the main cause of death.Baryscapus servadeii (Mercet.) was the most abundant parasitoid species, followed byOoencyrtus pityocampae (Dom.) andTrichogramma embryophagum Htg.B. servadeii dominated in the egg batches collected fromP. pinaster andP. nigra, whereasO. pityocampae was most frequent onP. sylvestris. The emergence ofB. servadeii started in the middle of March and continued until August, with the emergence peak at the end of May. The emergence ofO. pityocampae started at the end of April and continued throughout September, with maximum values in June. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 20, 2006.     

Mit neuen Verfahren gegen Fruchtwickler in Kleingartenanlagen

The availability of pesticides in private gardens is limited by local law in the State of Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany. Only 26 insecticides, fungicides and molluscicides are permitted. Hence, only pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Granulosis Virus, pyrethrum or the pheromone mating disruption method (PMDM) can be used for moth control in apple. The use of beneficials like Trichogramma sp. or Chrysoperla carnea is not limited. PMDM had not been previ-ously investigated in allotments until the experiments reported here were carried out in 1998 and 1999. In these experiments, PMDM was compared with the use of the egg parasites, Trichogramma dendrolimi and T. cacoeciae. The observations were done in 102 allotments, each of about 300 m². The gardeners are members of a special club for the allotments and they often organize the bulk acquisition of plants or fertilizers for the club. Sometimes the club obtains plant protection products when something has to be done in all allotments. The codling moth and the plum fruit moth are important pests in these allotments.In 1997, attacks of codling moth were generally low throughout the southern Germany. This was reflected in the allotments where there was less than one per cent fruit damage with PMDM or the egg parasites the following year. During 1999, the attacks were generally much higher resulting in a higher use of insecticides in commercial German orchards. In the allotments, about six to eight per cent of fruits were damaged by the codling moth in both experimental treatments.The results indicate that PMDM can be successful in allotments and is equally as effective as the use of egg-parasites. But further experiments are required.