Biological Control Research Articles

Brassica rapa treatments with methyl salicylate enhance foraging capacity of generalist natural enemies in a concentration-dependent manner.

The aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) causes significant crop damage by feeding on plant tissues, transmitting viruses, and reducing agricultural productivity. Challenges associated with chemical control methods, such as the development of pest resistance and adverse environmental impacts, highlight the need to enhance the efficacy of natural enemies for sustainable pest management. Methyl salicylate (MeSA) has been extensively studied in pest management using baited traps and slow-release packets; however, its role in enhancing natural enemy behavior through induced plant defenses remains underexplored. This study examines the effect of MeSA applied to Brassica rapa (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) on the behavior and performance of 2 key biocontrol agents, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). We hypothesized that MeSA enhances the attraction of natural enemies in a concentration-dependent manner. To test this, 4 MeSA concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100mg/L) were applied, with control plants treated using deionized water. Bioassays were then conducted to evaluate predator preferences, parasitism rates, foraging behavior, and behavioral responses in the olfactometer. Results showed that MeSA-treated plants significantly attract natural enemies, with pronounced effects at higher concentrations. Specifically, MeSA increased parasitism rates, improved predator foraging efficiency, and heightened predator preference for treated plants. This study demonstrates the potential of MeSA in enhancing biological control strategies against M. persicae by improving the efficacy of natural enemies. The findings highlight the potential of applying MeSA treatment to enhance the recruitment of biological control agents by inducing plant defenses, offering a sustainable approach to reducing aphid infestations in pest management programs.

Non-target effects of the flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi released for the biological control of Solanum mauritianum in South Africa: field data align with pre-release risk predictions

ABSTRACT The flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi Hustache (Curculionidae) was released in South Africa in 2008 to reduce the spread of the widespread and highly invasive tree Solanum mauritianum Scop. (Solanaceae). The weevil is widely established in the country’s warmer regions, where conditions are better aligned with its native Argentinean range. During pre-release testing, A. santacruzi survived to adulthood on several non-target native Solanum species, but the risks to field populations were deemed sufficiently low to justify release. In this study, we assessed the host-plant utilisation of A. santacruzi in a rangeland where S. mauritianum persisted in sympatry with five non-target Solanum species that were tested in the pre-release trials. During the 12-month study, A. santacruzi larvae were recorded in the buds of two native and one exotic non-target species, but in significantly lower proportions relative to S. mauritianum. Although adults and larvae were consistently recorded on the native S. dasyphyllum Schumach. & Thonn., the most utilised non-target species, mean monthly numbers were significantly lower than on S. mauritianum, with floral exploitation (i.e. buds with larvae) and larval survival to adulthood significantly higher on S. mauritianum. Utilisation of the native S. campylacanthum Hochst. ex A. Rich. and exotic S. viarum Dun. was occasional and rare, respectively. Considering the close proximity (≤ 8 m) of the non-target plants to the S. mauritianum controls, these results align with predictions of ‘spillover damage’ and appear unlikely to threaten non-target populations. Additional studies are planned to confirm that isolated non-target Solanum populations are not supporting ‘full utilization’.

Demographic parameters and asynchronous ovary development in Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) reared on different diets.

The stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) shows significant promise as a biological control agent against lepidopteran pests in tropical and subtropical areas. However, securing suitable food remains a persistent issue for the mass rearing of this beneficial insect. To understand how different feeding strategies impact reproductive success, we evaluated their effects on critical life table parameters and ovary development using a range of feeding options: natural prey Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Spodoptera exigua Hubner, alternative prey Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and an advanced artificial diet. E. furcellata fed on S. litura had the highest fecundity (326.96 eggs) and net reproduction rate (86.04 offspring). Moreover, those fed T. molitor exhibited the highest survival rate during the nymph stage (61.86%). Among all tested treatments, ovarian tube length reached its peak on the 14th day following the emergence of the adult. The group fed S. litura had the longest average length (4.021mm), followed by those fed S. exigua (3.986mm) and T. molitor (3.904mm). Notably, E. furcellata fed on S. exigua displayed the highest number of fully developed follicles between days 3 and 21 after emergence. This research underscores the efficacy of utilizing natural prey, especially S. litura, and alternative prey, T. molitor, for enhancing the reproductive success and survival of E. furcellata, providing critical insights for optimizing mass-rearing techniques and informing integrated pest management strategies that leverage this beneficial insect for effective biological control across diverse agricultural systems.

Effects of short-term thermal stress on functional response and interspecific interaction of whitefly parasitoids.

The functional response of a biocontrol agent, as well as its interactions with co-occurring species under thermal stress, are 2 crucial factors in evaluating its ability to control arthropod pests in the context of climate warming. Encarsia formosa (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is one of the most extensively utilized biological control agents for the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). In the present study, we evaluated the effects of short-term heat stress on the functional response and host control efficacy of En. formosa, as well as the interspecific interactions between this parasitoid and the co-occurring parasitoid Eretmocerus hayati (Zolnerowich and Rose) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). At all experimental temperatures, type II functional responses of En. formosa were observed in both parasitism and host feeding. The type of functional response remained unaffected by experimental temperature. Roger's model was utilized to fit the data. Based on the 95% confidence interval, pairwise comparisons of searching rate (a) and handling time (Th) across temperature regimes yielded no significant differences. In most instances, the increased temperatures did not affect the host control efficacy of En. formosa. The coexistence of En. formosa and Er. hayati exhibited a negative impact on En. formosa's parasitism but a positive effect on that of Er. hayati across all temperature regimes. These findings provide valuable knowledge regarding the functional dynamics of En. formosa under climate warming and underscore the importance of understanding interspecific relationships among biocontrol agents to effectively optimize pest management strategies.

Complementarity between Orius predators improves control of foliar and flower pests.

Multispecies natural enemy assemblages may be more successful in suppressing herbivorous pests compared to low-diversity communities, especially when natural enemies complement each other regarding the niches they exploit. Orius predatory bugs are omnivorous biological control agents used in horticulture, and are widely associated with the control of flower thrips. However, species within the Orius genus may differ significantly in biological characteristics, such as size, thermal development requirements, induction of diapause, degree of omnivory, and within-plant distribution. In this study, we explored the differences in within-plant preferences and pest-control efficacy against foliar and flower pests of the predators Orius laevigatus, O. majusculus and O. minutus. In oviposition experiments with Gerbera jamesonii plants, we found that O. laevigatus preferred ovipositing in the flower calyx, while eggs of the other two Orius species were mainly found in the leaves. Similarly, in a greenhouse trial where gerbera plants were infested with both the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum, O. laevigatus was the most effective predator against the flower thrips, but the least effective against whiteflies. When O. laevigatus was combined with O. minutus, the best control of both pests at the same time was observed. Our results suggest that the use of Orius predators for pest control may be further exploited and that species combinations that complement each other may expand the range of pests successfully controlled by anthocorids. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytophthora spp.’s effect on citrus industry: Current status, challenges, and emerging control strategies

Abstract Gummosis, caused by various Phytophthora species, poses a significant threat to citrus trees globally, leading to reduced fruit production and orchard decline. The primary pathogens responsible are P . citrophthora , P. nicotianae , and P . palmivora , which infect roots, trunks, and fruits, thriving in wet conditions and spreading through zoospores. This review highlights the economic impact of gummosis, detailing the symptoms such as bark cracking, gum exudation, and root decay that contribute to reduced orchard productivity. The infection process and pathogenicity mechanisms of Phytophthora spp. are examined, along with environmental factors like soil moisture and temperature that facilitate disease proliferation. Diagnostic methods, from traditional visual identification to molecular tools like PCR, are discussed for their effectiveness in detecting the pathogen. Management strategies focus on integrated approaches combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls. Key practices include improving soil drainage and irrigation, along with using biological agents like Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma spp. to suppress Phytophthora populations. Systemic fungicides, such as phosphonates and metalaxyl, also remain vital in managing high disease pressure. This review emphasizes the need for sustainable control measures to mitigate gummosis, ensuring long-term orchard health and profitability.

Sown ground cover in pear orchards influences the abundance of key predators with variable results on pest control depending on the species

Abstract Enhancing ground cover vegetation may favour biological pest control. This research aimed to test the effect of cover management on the abundance of natural enemies and pest control in pear orchards. Two types of cover management (i.e., sown/mown cover) were tested in an organic pear orchard during three years in southern Spain. The cover and pear trees were sampled periodically between April and June to estimate the abundance of arthropods. The abundance of all the groups of natural enemies, including ants, spiders, predatory thrips, hemipterans and four families of parasitoids, as well as phytophagous insects such as aphids and psyllids, was significantly higher in the vegetation of the sown than in the mown cover. The sown cover was found to significantly reduce the abundance of aphids on pear trees, while it had a neutral effect on Cacopsylla pyri. This reduction in aphid numbers could be mainly attributed to the increase in the abundance of spiders and predatory mirids on the trees with the sown cover. In contrast, the sown cover was found to significantly reduce the abundance of the ant Lasius grandis on pear trees in relation to the mown cover. Overall, the management of the cover had a stronger effect on the assemblage of arthropods on the understory vegetation than on pear trees. The increase of the abundance of natural enemies on pear trees with the sown cover could have been due to their movement from the cover and/or the reduction of harassment due to the lower ant activity.

First Report of Verticillium Wilt on Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven) in North Macedonia caused by Verticillium dahliae.

Tree-of-Heaven, a highly invasive species on all continents except Antarctica, is frequently found on the Balkan Peninsula. In 2019, Ailanthus altissima has been put on the "List of invasive alien species of Union concern"; thus, measures for eradication and control are mandatory in all EU member countries. Verticillium wilt of A. altissima, which has been reported in the USA (Schall and Davis 2009; Kasson et al. 2014; Rebbeck et al. 2013) and in Europe (Maschek and Halmschlager 2016; Moragrega et al. 2021) in the last decade, has already been successfully used for biological control of Ailanthus. In the course of an excursion of the international REUFIS meeting, young symptomatic A. altissima trees, exhibiting severe foliar wilt symptoms, brownish vascular discoloration, dieback, and premature death, were observed at two different sites in the southern part of Skopje, North Macedonia (Kluchka Sonchev: 41.973155N, 21.428846E; Vidikovec (Panorama): 41.977671N, 21.421135E) in June 2024. To identify the causal organism, 50-cm-long branch samples were taken from symptomatic A. altissima and cut into 5-cm pieces, surface sterilized by dipping into 96% ethanol for 1 min, and then breamed. After removing the bark, 23 (Kluchka Sonchev) and 8 (Vidikovec) tissue samples of about 5 mm in length were excised from discolored sapwood and placed onto 2% malt extract agar plates supplemented with 100 mg/l streptomycin sulphate. Plates were incubated at 22°C in the dark for 10 days. Fungal colonies emerged from all plated tissue samples of both sites, all of which were putatively identified as Verticillium dahliae Kleb. based on the abundant formation of microsclerotia and the hyaline, non-septate, cylindrical or ellipsoid conidia developing on verticillate conidiophores. Morphological identification was confirmed by DNA sequencing of two selected isolates (one from each site), using primers coding for ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) (Inderbitzin et al. 2011) and a BLAST search against the reference sequences of the type strain of V. dahliae PD322 (GenBank Accession No. NR_126124 (ITS) and HQ414624.1 (TEF)) at NCBI NLM, which revealed 100% homology (ITS1: 492 matching base pairs; TEF: 579 matching base pairs) between the type strain and the two North Macedonian isolates. Aligned sequences of both isolates (Vd-NM01, Vd-NM02) were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. PQ615325, PQ615358, PQ858706, PQ858707). To confirm pathogenicity, 10 two-year-old potted Ailanthus seedlings were stem-inoculated with a conidial suspension (1 x 107 spores/ml, 1 ml/tree) of V. dahliae isolate Vd-NM01 and 10 with isolate Vd-NM02 on September 12, 2024; 5 seedlings treated with sterile water and 3 untreated seedlings served as controls. Following maintenance in the greenhouse, all V. dahliae-inoculated trees developed wilting symptoms two to three weeks after inoculation and were completely defoliated or showed heavy wilting symptoms on October 31, 2024, whereas all 8 control trees remained asymptomatic or displayed minor wilting symptoms related to autumn senescence. V. dahliae was re-isolated from all treated trees, but no control tree, thus confirming Koch's postulates. Despite of the high disease severity on infected trees, natural V. dahliae infections will not allow efficient control of A. altissima without human intervention on these affected sites in North Macedonia, due to the low disease incidence (<5%) on both sites.

How an Observation of a Snail Eating Spores of the Coffee Leaf Rust Generated Misinformation and Could Pose a Threat to the Integrity of Biological Control

How an Observation of a Snail Eating Spores of the Coffee Leaf Rust Generated Misinformation and Could Pose a Threat to the Integrity of Biological Control

Effective Use of Microbial and Plant‐Based Alternatives in Tomato Pathogen Control: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACTTomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetable crops, highly valued for its nutritional content and industrial applications. However, it is highly susceptible to infections caused by over 200 pathogens. Pesticides have traditionally been a reliable option for controlling pathogen invasions in crops, but their harmful effects are well documented. An alternative to pesticide use is biological control. This review focuses on recent research in microbiological control strategies for tomato crops. The use of bacteria to manage foliar diseases has shown great potential, particularly species from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas, which have been widely studied between 2016 and 2023. Additionally, fungi from the genus Trichoderma play a crucial role as biological control agents, as they enhance nutrient solubilisation and uptake by plants. Another promising approach to managing tomato crop diseases involves plant‐derived extracts and essential oils. This review highlights several successful examples of microorganisms and plant extracts that have emerged as effective alternatives for disease control in tomato production.

Entomopathogenic Fungi Effectively Control Phorodon cannabis Aphid Population in Cannabis sativa Plants

The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry in Canada post-legalization has heightened the prevalence of pests, particularly the cannabis aphid Phorodon cannabis (P. cannabis), which poses significant threats to crop health. This study investigates the immediate effects of P. cannabis on Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plants and explores biological control strategies utilizing entomopathogenic fungi. Fungal isolates of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were isolated from infected aphids, cultured, and characterized. Infection tests on aphids revealed that both fungi achieved 100% aphid mortality at high conidial concentrations (1 × 107 conidia/mL) by the 10th DAT, with Beauveria bassiana demonstrating better efficacy. In greenhouse trials on three cannabis varieties, B. bassiana effectively controlled aphid populations, keeping levels low and stable in infested plants treated with B. bassiana at the concentration of 1 × 107 conidia mL−1 (I-B) and infested plants treated with insecticide (I-I). Both I-B and I-I treatments maintained aphid populations near zero for nine weeks. In contrast, control plants showed significant aphid growth, with the Perseid variety being the most susceptible, followed by Congo Durban, while GCC exhibited the lowest susceptibility. Cannabinoid and terpene analyses revealed that treatment with insecticide substantially decreased the amount of produced cannabinoids and terpenes. In contrast, Beauveria bassiana-treated plants exhibited higher concentrations of key metabolites, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid, and total terpenes, compared to chemically treated plants, and in two out of three cultivars, these concentrations were higher than in control, untreated plants. The findings highlight Beauveria bassiana as an eco-friendly alternative for pest management that not only controls aphids effectively but also supports the biochemical quality of cannabis plants.

Reliable mass production of Ganaspis kimorum (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a larval parasitoid of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), native to Asia, has become a significant threat to soft fruit crops globally. To develop a classical biological control program for this pest, the obligate parasitoid Ganaspis kimorum (Buffington) was approved in the United States for field release in 2021 as a biological control agent. However, challenges in mass production and maintenance of parasitoid colonies have been common. Here, we share improved methods and offer insights into mitigating issues that limit parasitoid production. Additionally, we present a modified rearing protocol using 2-l plastic containers to produce an average of 307 G. kimorum per container. This information is crucial for implementing successful classical biological control programs against spotted wing drosophila with this parasitoid.

Sensory and behavioral responses of braconid parasitoids to changes in volatile emissions induced by wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) larval feeding in winter wheat and smooth brome.

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, is a major pest of cultivated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and other cereals in North America. The native congeneric parasitoids Bracon cephi (Gahan) and B. lissogaster Muesebeck are important biocontrol agents and play a crucial role in managing wheat stem sawfly outbreaks and damage. Smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis Leyss) has been found to be an effective wheat stem sawfly sink and parasitoid source when grown in areas neighboring wheat fields in Montana. To better understand the ecology of the system, we investigated both the wheat stem sawfly-induced volatile organic compounds produced by smooth brome and winter wheat, and the electrophysiological and behavioral response of B. cephi and B. lissogaster to the collected volatiles via coupled electroantennography and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Volatile concentration analysis indicated significantly increased production of (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and (E)-2-hexenal in wheat stem sawfly-infested smooth brome, and elevated production of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one in infested smooth brome and winter wheat when compared to their uninfested counterparts. Both B. cephi and B. lissogaster exhibited significant electrophysiological and behavioral response to (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone. Our results provide important evidence supporting habitat management recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness of biological control, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of vital ecological functions.

Infestation of an indigenous entomopathogenic nematode (Steinernema siamkayai) on an unnatural host, golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata)

ABSTRACT The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is one of the most devastating invasive snail species in Thailand and other countries. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are promising biological control agents for agricultural insect pest control programmes. Snails are an unnatural host of EPNs, although they can invade them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mortality of different growth stages (two-, three-, and four-month-old) of golden apple snails following infection by an indigenous EPN, Steinernema siamkayai (eAPL10.3_TH). The digestive glands of infected snails and the presence of symbiotic bacteria within the infected snails’ body were examined using histological and molecular analyses, respectively. The result demonstrated the highest mortality was 94 ± 0.89% in the younger stage, two-month-old golden apple snails. The digestive glands of infected snails displayed cell necrosis, tissue degeneration, and inflammation. The level of tissue damage increased with time following infection and younger snails were more vulnerable to the EPN invasion than older snails. Based on recA sequencing and phylogeny, the symbiotic bacteria (NUBIO_01) from this investigation were identified as Xenorhabdus stockiae, which is associated with the Indigenous EPN, genus Steinernema. Our research revealed that the EPNs may effectively eliminate golden apple snails via the symbiotic bacteria’s efficiency. This study indicated that EPN, a promising biological control agent, can prevent the damage those agricultural snail pests inflict.

Development of ant-based mutualistic and antagonistic biocontrol strategies against cotton mealybugs

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, an invasive pest, has posed a significant threat to Bangladesh's cotton industry, with conventional insecticides proving ineffective against this pest and ecologically detrimental. This research aimed at biocontrol of cotton pest focusing mainly on mealybug in four colored cotton lines (BC 111, BC 113, BC 119, BC 120). The experiment involved seven treatments, incorporating both naturally and artificially colonized mealybugs, ants, and cotton bollworms, arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. This study revealed significant variations in pest dynamics and plant health across different treatments and genotypes. Notably, the treatment comprising of natural mealybug infestation with the presence of induced cotton bollworms and ants was the most effective at minimizing mealy bug population in cotton. Among the ant species identified, Tapinoma simrothi Krausse and Monomorium libanicum Lebanese Monomorium exhibited considerable efficacy in biocontrol of mealybug (32.16) under induced conditions, reducing plant damage to 8.0% and 12.41%, respectively. The mutualistic behavior of M. libanicum with mealybugs, contrasted with the slightly antagonistic associations between the Mealybug and T. caespitam, highlights its potential as a biocontrol agent. Additionally, the cotton genotypes BC 119 and BC 120 exhibited enhanced resistance to pest infestations, with infestation rates of 44.90 and 39.57%, respectively indicating their suitability for breeding programs aimed at improving pest resistance. Furthermore, the significant impact of different treatments on the abundance of ant species highlights the complex interactions between treatments and biocontrol agents, emphasizing the importance of controlling biodiversity and ecosystem processes to ensure the effective deployment and ecological viability of biological control agents. In this research, integrating ant behavior into pest management offers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, potentially boosting cotton productivity and supporting Bangladesh's agricultural sustainability and optimizes the environmental advantages.

Modelling the distribution of a submerged invasive macrophyte and its potential biological control agent in invaded ranges

Modelling the distribution of a submerged invasive macrophyte and its potential biological control agent in invaded ranges

Thermal performance drifts between the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus and the fall armyworm may threaten the efficacy of biological control under climate change

Thermal performance drifts between the egg parasitoid <i>Telenomus remus</i> and the fall armyworm may threaten the efficacy of biological control under climate change

A review: sustainable forestry through biological control—the application of entomopathogenic nematodes

A review: sustainable forestry through biological control—the application of entomopathogenic nematodes

Future perspectives in the study of mutualistic interactions between insects and their microorganisms

Abstract. The impact of climate change and habitat destruction on insect diversity and survival is a critical area of study. These disruptions could severely affect the symbiotic relationships between insects and their microorganisms. Understanding how these interactions respond to such changes is essential for mitigating the decline of insect populations, which are already alarmingly decreasing worldwide. Mutualistic interactions between insects and microorganisms present vast opportunities in ecology, agriculture, and biotechnology. These associations are crucial for insect nutrition, defense, and adaptation and hold great potential for developing antimicrobial compounds with promising applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In agriculture, insect-associated microorganisms could play a key role in biological pest control, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This would not only protect beneficial insects but also enhance agricultural efficiency. The conservation of mutualism must be integrated into biodiversity preservation efforts, as protecting these relationships will be critical in addressing future ecological challenges. The following sections describe the main mutualistic interactions between insects and their associated microorganisms, with a prospective approach to the directions that future research should consider.

Silicon amendment to the crop increases the potential of Aphidius platensis to control the invasive pest aphid Melanaphis sorghi.

The efficacy of integrated pest management programs can be affected by interactions between different pest control methods. Silicon (Si) amendments increase plant resistance to phytophagous insects; however, such amendments may also affect higher-trophic level species, causing either negative or positive impacts on the biological control of pests in treated crops. To evaluate the effect of Si amendment on the potential for control of the pest aphid Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) by the parasitoid Aphidius platensis (Bréthes), the key biological parameters and the fertility life tables of both species were assessed in the laboratory at both 23 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C without Si application and in a greenhouse trial, with the insects reared on plants grown in soil with and without the application of Si (800 kg of Si per hectare). Without Si, the net reproductive rate (R0) value of the parasitoid at 23 °C was higher than that of the aphid (ratio of R0 of parasitoid/R0 of aphid = 1.2), showing that the aphid can be controlled by the parasitoid at this temperature, but at 29 °C this reversed, with the R0 ratio declining to 0.79, permitting aphid outbreaks. In contrast, with Si, the parasitoid's R0 and rm (intrinsic rate of increase) were both equal or higher than the aphid's at both temperatures, with parasitoid/aphid ratios for R0 and rm ranging from 1.0 to 1.8. Silicon amendment can increase A. platensis control of M. sorghi, representing its potential use in the integrated management of this pest in sorghum. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.