Trichogramma galloi and Trichogramma pretiosum for the management of Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in strawberry plants

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the ideal number for field release of Trichogramma galloi and T.pretiosum for controlling Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, where the strawberry cultivar 'Oso Grande' was infected with 100 eggs of D.fovealis distributed on the leaf surface area of each plant. A total of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 female parasitoids were released per egg of D. fovealis. The greatest level of egg parasitism, with no differences for the species of Trichogramma, was observed at the densities of four and eight parasitoids per egg of D.fovealis, considered ideal for field release.

Keywords

• Fragaria x ananassa
• biological control
• strawberry caterpillar.