Abstract
This is the first report on the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis, genus Eulophidae, found in the field parasitizing pupae of defoliating eucalyptus. Lepidopterous pests occur in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil, reaching high population levels. Due to the complexity of pest control in eucalyptus forests, alternative control methods have been proposed, for instance biological control through use of parasitoids. Natural enemies play an important role in regulating host populations because their larvae feed on the eggs, larvae, pupae or adults of other insects. The parasitic Hymenoptera are important agents in biological control programs against forest pests, and may provide economic and environmental benefits. The generalist endoparasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle, 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) can develop in its host’s pupae, which overcome the host’s physiology and can therefore be used for biological control of agricultural and forest pests. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of P. elaeisis as a pupal parasitoid of S. violascens in providing a potential alternative to chemical control of the pest and creation of an alternative host. The experiment was developed in the Laboratory for Biological Control of Forest Pests, Universidade Estadual Paulista
Highlights
Eucalyptus species were introduced into Brazil before 1900, to produce wood for railroad companies and timber production of fence posts and poles (Uhlig et al, 2008)
Areas with eucalyptus ecosystems represent the most stable agriculture and differ from natural vegetation or polycultures on account of their large areas planted with seedlings, which may favor the emergence of insect pests such as lepidopteran defoliators (Zanuncio et al, 2001; Zanuncio et al, 2003; Soares et al, 2007; Soares et al, 2009)
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of P. elaeisis as a pupal parasitoid of S. violascens in providing a potential alternative to chemical control of the pest and creation of an alternative host
Summary
Eucalyptus species were introduced into Brazil before 1900, to produce wood for railroad companies and timber production of fence posts and poles (Uhlig et al, 2008). The uses of wood from forests ranges from firewood, poles, fences, charcoal, pulp, paper, fibers and plates to more complex applications such as the manufacturing of houses, furniture and other structures, especially in the southern and soutneast regions of Brazil. Noteworthy is the growing demand for non-timber products such as resins, latex, food products, tannins and essential oils, as well as raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry such as medicinal plants. This tendency toward increasing demand for forest-based products is worldwide (Ribaski et al, 2001). Known as the purple moth, is a defoliating caterpillar native to Argentina and Brazil, belonging to the Order Lepidoptera, Family Lymantriidae (FAO, 2008; Zanuncio & Lima, 1975)
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