Performance of Trichograma spp in small tomato borer (Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée): Pest management with egg parasitoid

Abstract

The tomato is a crop of great importance for Brazilian agriculture. Among the most damaging pests, the small tomato borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambiadae) has caused great losses, since they directly reach the fruits to be commercialized, being used for its handling a large volume of insecticides. In this way, the use of alternative techniques that help in the management of this pest becomes of great importance. Among them, the use of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma spp. has been promising. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the performance of Trichogramma species and/or strains in N. elegantalis by selection of strains. The selection was made based on four lineages maintained in the Nucleus of Scientific and Technological Development in Phytosanitary Management of Pests (NUDEMAFI), being three strains of the species T. pretiosum and one of T. galloi species. The parameters evaluated were percentage of parasitized eggs, egg viability, number of individuals per eggs, sex ratio and number of Trichogramma spp. to be released. The T. galloi (T. g1) showed the best parameters for selection of the strain. Estimating the optimal number of T. g1 in eggs of small-fruit-borer was 82 individuals per egg parasitoid. Therefore, this strain was selected for the management of the small tomato-borer, whose eggs presented favorable physicochemical characteristics for the development of the parasitoid.

COMPORTAMENTO DE QUATRO ESPÉCIES Trichogramma em OVOS DE Helicoverpa zea

“…Por serem inimigos naturais e parasitarem ovos de diversas espécies de pragas, o gênero Trichogramma apresenta-se como alternativa promissora em programas de controle biológico (FRAGOSO et al, 2020). Liberações inundativas desse parasitoide tem sido realizadas para o controle de diversas pragas (CARVALHO et al, 2020;GRECCO et al, 2019). O sucesso no uso de Trichogramma depende da associação inimigo natural e hospedeiro.…”

“…O sucesso no uso de Trichogramma depende da associação inimigo natural e hospedeiro. Portanto, estudos que avaliem essa associação se tornam necessários (CARVALHO et al, 2020;ARAUJO JÚNIOR et al, 2021).…”

“…Tem-se estudado o comportamento de espécies e/ou linhagens do parasitoide de ovos do gênero Trichogramma em diversos hospedeiros (CARVALHO et al, 2020;PRATISSOLI et al, 2019). No entanto em relação à H. zea as pesquisas ainda são incipientes.…”