Status of bio-control of Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on sugar cane in Trinidad
1988
Vignes, W.G. des | Mahadeo, C.R. (Caroni Research Station, Carapichaima (Trinidad and Tobago))
A biological control programme was started in 1974 to reduce the high levels of damage caused by Diatraea which were observed to be increasing since 1968/69. From 1974 to 1987 over six species of parasites were released in the estates of Caroni (1975) Limited. The most important parasite established has been Cotesia (Apanteles) flavipes (Cam.). This parasite can be sampled throughout the island parasiting stem borers on corn, sorghum, sugar cane, rice and a number of other grasses. There has also been a reduction of sugar cane joints damaged close to the economic threshold level of 5.0 percent. Further releases of larval parasites, Allorhogas pyralophagus (Marsh), Lixophaga diatraeae (Tns.) and Metagonistylum minense (Tns.) have been made within recent years. Allorhogas is known to be established at low population densities. Metagonistylum and Lixophaga have been recovered from the field occasionally, but are not established. A pupal parasite, Pediobius furvus (Gahan) has recently been released in sugar cane fields, but no recoveries have yet been made. Due to the reduced economic importance of the pest, research priorities on Diatraea spp. may have to be reassessed.
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