Abstract
In 1990-1996, we evaluated the relative importance of the Amazonian fly (Metagonystilum minense) and the wasp (Cotesiaflavipes), in sugarcane crops, in Central Venezuela. We observed a significant decrease in relative abundance of Diatraea spp. when the Amazon fly abundance increased but not with the wasp abundance. Diatraea spp. abundance in presence of both parasitoids was similar to its abundance throughout the last 45 years, when only inundations of M. minense occurred. However a net effect by using both parasitoids was not evident. M. minense is probably the stronger pest control, because its more efficient in its host searching than C. flavipes and is better as competitor than the wasp.
Highlights
Flooding agroecosystems with parasitoid insects is sometimes very effective in lowering the abundance of crop pest insects (Knipling and McGuire 1968, Knipling 1970, 1972, Knipling and Gilmore 1971)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of two parasitic species, the Amazonian fly Metagonystilum minense Myers (Diptera: Tachinidae), and the wasp Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in regulating sugarcane borers Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius, and Diatraea rosa Heinr (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in sugarcane crops in Central Venezuela
M. minense has controlled the pests for 50 years with a mean relative abundance range of 0.9 to 4.2 %
Summary
Flooding agroecosystems with parasitoid insects is sometimes very effective in lowering the abundance of crop pest insects (Knipling and McGuire 1968, Knipling 1970, 1972, Knipling and Gilmore 1971). Parasitoids are commonly reared in laboratories and periodically liberated in high-density populations as biological control agents of lepidopterous crop pests (Barclay et al 1985). The effectiveness of this biological control technique may be improved by adjusting parasitic inundation rates, until the pest population reaches a very low level (Barclay et al 1985), and by evaluating the stability of parasitic-host system after inundation stops. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of two parasitic species, the Amazonian fly Metagonystilum minense Myers (Diptera: Tachinidae), and the wasp Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in regulating sugarcane borers Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius, and Diatraea rosa Heinr (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in sugarcane crops in Central Venezuela
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