Laboratory rearing and field release of Pediobius furvus (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) a potential biocontrol agent of Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on sugar cane in Trinidad
1988
Vignes des, W.G. (Caroni Research Station, Carapichaima (Trinidad and Tobago))
Pediobius furvus (Gahan), a pupal parasite that develops successfully on Diatraea spp., has recently been introduced into Trinidad in an attempt to further reduce the damage caused by Diatraea spp. A number of alternate laboratory hosts of Pediobius have been found. The major host used in production of parasites for field release is Trachylepidia fructicassiella (Rag.). Preliminary studies show that Galleria mellonella (L.) is a satisfactory host. Further studies on the use of Galleria are in progress. In tests for hyperparasitism the pupae of several parasites were exposed to ovipositing Pediobius. No oviposition took place in Apanteles, Agathis, Ipobracon, Allorhogas, Metagonistylum, Lixophaga and Paratheresia. Several releases of Pediobius have been made at Felicite, Edinburgh, Waterloo and Exchange in Trinidad. Recovery surveys have yielded negative results.
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