Parasitoid hymenopterans are a highly diverse group of insects; therefore, the choice of an adequate sampling method becomes important to achieve a representative species richness of a site. The aim of this work is to evaluate the size and diversity of parasitoids in relation to the height of the Malaise trap placement above the ground of a low deciduous forest from Yucatan, Mexico. Parasitoids were collected from September to October 2015, using three Malaise traps at ground level and other three located right above the others, leaving no space between them, at a height of 1.5 m. The collected specimens were identified at family level. A total of 4083 parasitoids belonging to 31 families were collected, representing 93% of the sample’s completeness, according to Jack 1 estimator; with differences in richness and abundance between trap heights according to rarefaction and fixed effects multifactorial ANOVA, respectively. Bethylidae, Braconidae and Ichneumonidae were the most abundant families. Besides, when analyzing the differences of each family by separate, there were significant results for Bethylidae, Diapriidae and Ichneumonidae with more individuals in the traps at ground level than in the raised ones. In a further analysis, the effect of body size on the capture height was observed. The specimens of larger size belonging to the families Bethylidae, Sphecidae, Sclerogibbidae and Evaniidae were more collected at ground level, on the other hand, the larger sized Ichneumonidae were collected at raised level.

In many parts of the world, chemical pesticides are the primary method of pest control in maize (Zea mays L.) crops. Concerns about the negative consequences of chemical pesticide use on people’s health and the environment, as well as the emergence of insecticide resistance, have accelerated attempts to discover alternatives that are effective, low-risk, and cost-effective. Maize-legume intercropping systems are known to have multiple benefits to agroecosystem functioning, including pest regulation. This review focuses on the influence of maize-legume intercropping systems on insect diversity and abundance as a mechanism for insect pest regulation in maize crops. First, this review combines knowledge of maize-legume intercrops, with a particular emphasis on the mechanism by which this practice attracts beneficial insects (e.g., predators, parasitoids) to reduce pest damage in intercropping systems. In addition, the pairings of specific legume species with the greatest potential to attract more beneficial insects and therefore reduce maize pests are also discussed. Finally, future research needs are also recommended. Findings are reviewed in the context of looking for long-term management strategies that can increase the adoption of integrated pest management programs in maize-based production systems.

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Plant powders are ecological agents for pest management in grains stored by small-scale farmers. <strong>Objective.</strong> This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant powders of leaves of basil (<em>Ocimum</em> <em>basilicum</em>), spearmint (<em>Mentha spicata</em>), wormseed (<em>Chenopodium ambrosioides</em>) and rue (<em>Ruta graveolens</em>) on the mortality, repellency and infestation of <em>Zabrotes subfasciatus</em> in stored grains of <em>Phaseolus lunatus</em>. <strong>Methodology. </strong>The plant powders were applied at concentration of 1% (weight/weight) to grain samples stored in plastic containers and subsequently the grains were infested with <em>Z. subfasciatus</em> adults. <strong>Results.</strong> The powder of <em>C. ambrosioides</em> caused 96% and 100% mortality in <em>Z. subfaciatus</em> adults at 2 and 4 days after exposure, respectively. The powder of <em>C. ambrosioides</em> caused a decrease in oviposition and progeny production.  The powder of <em>C. ambrosioides</em> completely prevented the damage to the grain. Plant powders of the other species had minimal repellent effects.<strong> Implication.</strong> Plant powders represent a feasible alternative to manage pest insects of stored grain. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The powder of <em>C. ambrosioides</em> prevents damage by <em>Z. subfasciatus</em> in stored grains of<em> P. lunatus</em>.</p>