Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) üzerinde potansiyel biyolojik mücadele etmeni Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)’un etkinliği

Abstract

Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the main pest of boxwood fields in many countries. It has caused significant damage especially since 6-7 years in Türkiye. Chemical control is definitely not recommended against this pest because boxwoods are found in forest areas, parks and gardens. In this study, the potential use of the idibiont larval parasitoid Bracon hebetor (Say, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against the box tree moth was evaluated within the scope of biological control. Laboratory experiments were carried out with early and late instar larvae of C. perspectalis at 25±1°C, 60-70% R.H. and 16:8 (light: dark) conditions. The number of paralyzed and parasitized larvae, parasitism rate, number of eggs laid per female, rate of larvae and pupae were determined. Bracon hebetor, which has the ability to paralyze the host larvae, showed an insecticidal effect against the pest C. perspectalis. It was found that the number of paralyzed larvae (10.33±1.15) in early stage (3rd instar) larvae was higher than in late stage (5th instar) larvae (4.67±0.57). On the other hand, it was determined that the number of parasitized larvae (14.68±1.50) and eggs laid (7.50±0.32) was higher in late stage (5th instar) larvae. Parasitism rates were found to be 33% and 73% in early and late instar larvae, respectively. This detailed biological data has been obtained to for the first time. Bracon hebetor venom showed a high toxic effect on Cydalima larvae. The results of the study showed that the parasitoid may be recommended as an alternative to chemical control against the box tree moth.