Abstract
Consumers are increasingly demanding pesticide-free grain/legumes and processed foods. Additionally, there are more restrictions, or complete loss, of insecticides labelled for use in managing stored grain insects in post-harvest ecosystems. Suppression of post-harvest pests using parasitic wasps is a more sustainable alternative than chemical pesticides. Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Pteromalus cerealellae Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are two important parasitoids that limit economically important pests of stored products. Host searching ability and reproductive performances of H. hebetor and P. cerealellae depend on a wide range of factors, such as host species, commodities, and environmental conditions. Further, use of entomopathogens can complement the ability of parasitoids to regulate pest populations. This review provides information on aspects of H. hebetor and P. cerealellae biology and successful regulation of post-harvest pest populations.
Highlights
Stored product pests cause severe economic losses due to the infestation of commodities in stored grain ecosystems including silos, bakeries, food processing industries, flourmills, and pet food factories
This review provides information on aspects of H. hebetor and P. cerealellae biology and successful regulation of post-harvest pest populations
Habrobracon hebetor and P. cerealellae are cosmopolitan in distribution [11,12]
Summary
Stored product pests cause severe economic losses due to the infestation of commodities in stored grain ecosystems including silos, bakeries, food processing industries, flourmills, and pet food factories. Insecticide use patterns in post-harvest integrated pest management (IPM) could expose farmers and commodity warehouse workers to acute or chronic exposure to fumigant volatiles [4]. Restrictions on insecticide use patterns and increasing consumer demand for pesticide-free foods are catalyzing the search for safe, non-toxic, and sustainable pest management strategies in post-harvest systems [5,6]. Parasitic wasps present an alternative and environmentally compatible approach to overcoming the challenges of synthetic insecticide use in post-harvest systems. Parasitoids do not negatively affect the environment, humans or beneficial organisms These natural enemies can reproduce continuously for as long as the hosts or alternative hosts are available, ensuring sustainability of their populations for long-term regulation of pest populations [7]. The information provided here will assist in designing IPM programs utilizing biological control
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
