Monday, December 11, 2006 - 9:47 AM
0297

Biological control of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis in bell peppers through Trichogramma ostriniae releases and habitat modification

Kathleen Russell, kgruss2@uky.edu1, Ric Bessin, rbessin@uky.edu2, and Brent Rowell, browell@uky.edu1. (1) University of Kentucky, Department of Horticulture, N-318 Agricultural Sciences North, Lexington, KY, (2) University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, S-225 Agricultural Sciences North, Lexington, KY

A two-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae (Pang and Chen) (T.o.) with habitat modification, to enhance the biological control of European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), the key pest of bell peppers in Kentucky. A split plot treatment arrangement was used to evaluate T.o. releases in combination with inter-planting of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculetum Moench , as a nectar source for the wasps and to augment existing ECB natural enemies. Sentinel ECB egg masses were placed in each subplot to monitor establishment and dispersal rates of T.o. Fruit were harvested at maturity, graded according to USDA standards, inspected for insect damage, and dissected when necessary to confirm ECB presence and determine percentage of infested fruits. Significantly less ECB infested fruits were detected in the T.o. release plots compared to control plots and in plots containing buckwheat than without. Percent infested fruit was reduced by 7% with buckwheat interplanted, by 18% with wasp releases, and 45% when both treatments were combined. The effect of habitat modification and wasp releases was additive. Percentage of T.o. parasitized sentinel egg masses was significantly higher in wasp release plots compared to control plots. No differences in marketable yields among treatments were found. Additional testing of compatibility of reduced risk insecticides with T.o. is currently being conducted. Habitat modification used in conjunction with T.o. releases for ECB control in bell peppers appears to be a promising alternative to traditional insecticide-based strategies.


Species 1: Lepidoptera Crambidae Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer)
Species 2: Hymenoptera Trichogrammatidae Trichogramma ostriniae

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