Faunistic composition and seasonal occurrence of parasitoid and predatory wasps in maize intercropped with beans

Abstract

Background: Lepidopteran caterpillars attack maize plants, and the main control methods involve the application of phytosanitary products, which is disadvantageous from an ecological point of view. With a view to finding alternative control mechanisms, the present study surveys parasitoid and predatory wasp species in maize (AG1051) intercropped with beans in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The survey of parasitoids involved the use of Moericke traps. Relevant families (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Scelionidae, and Eulophidae) for the biological control of maize and bean pests were identified to subfamily, genus, or species level. For predatory wasps, the survey involved the use of trap nests and, once nesting, emerging wasps were identified to genus level. The following were determined: faunistic indices, relative frequency, constancy, Shannon diversity (H') and evenness (J') indices. Results: The results highlighted parasitoids of the genera Telenemus and Gryon (Scelionidae), Opius and Chelonus (Braconidae), Aprostocetus and Horismenus (Eulophidae), Anomalon (Ichneumonidae), and the subfamily Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae), as well as predatory wasps of the genera Isodontia, Monobia, and Pachodynerus. Conclusions: Parasitoids occurring in maize intercropped with beans in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil, are relevant for the biological control of maize and bean pests.

Keywords

• braconidae
• eulophidae
• ichneumonidae
• scelionidae