White Stem Borer Research Articles

Parasitoids and Predators as Biological Agents against White Stem Borer (Scirpophaga innotata)

One of the primary challenges in rice cultivation is the disturbance caused by pest infestations. Among the pests that frequently cause damage to rice plants is the white rice stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata). The life cycle of Scirpophaga innotata comprises egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. This article is based on a literature review and discusses the natural enemies most commonly encountered at each stage of the Scirpophaga innotata life cycle. The findings of this article can be summarized as follows: Natural enemies of the white rice stem borer during the egg stage include parasitoids such as Trichogramma japonicum Ashm., Tetrastichus schoenobii, and Telenomus rowani, as well as the predator Conocephalus sp. During the larva-pupa stage, parasitoids such as Apantheles sp., Bracon sp., Tropobracon sp., and Temelucha bigutella are present, along with predators like Miscrapis crocea and Harmonia octomaculata. Regarding the adult stage, parasitoids were not found to be natural enemies of adult S. innotata. However, the most commonly encountered predators include Coccinella transversalis (Thunberg) and Paederus sp.

Influence of Abiotic Factors on the Population Dynamics and Species Composition of Stem Borer Complex in Rice Ecosystem

A field experiment was carried out at the Murjhad Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Balaghat in Madhya pradesh during Kharif 2022 and Kharif 2023 to ascertain the population dynamics of stem borer complex, their relative abundance and correlation with abiotic factors in order to propose ecologically and financially feasible measures. Results pertaining to the dynamics of species composition of stem borers of rice reveal that all the three species of stem borer of rice viz., yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker), white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) were prevalent during the crop season. The pooled data of the total population of stem borer complex observed during the 30th SMW was 8.0 larvae/ 20 hills attaining two peaks, the first peak during the 36th SMW (69.0 larvae/ 20 hills) and the second peak during the 42nd SMW (96.0 larvae/ 20 hills) and thereafter, the population started decreasing and reached 65.0 larvae/ 20 hills during the 43rd SMW and it disappears at the time of harvest. The per cent dead heart incidence was first observed during the 30th SMW (2.43% dead hearts) with its peak during the 36th SMW (14.84% dead hearts) and thereafter, it started decreasing and reached 5.06 per cent dead hearts during the 38th SMW and further, it disappears. The per cent white ears incidence was first observed during the 37th SMW (1.30 % white ears) with its peak during the 42nd SMW (21.52% white ears) and thereafter, it started decreasing and reached 9.24 per cent white ears during the 43rd SMW and further, it disappears. The pooled data revealed that a total of 654.5 larvae stem borer complex were observed throughout the crop growth. Among them, 467 larvae of Scirpophaga incertulas were observed comprising 71.35 per cent, Sesamia inferens population was 110.0 larvae comprising 16.81 per cent and Scirpophaga innotata population was 77.5 larvae comprising 11.84 per cent among the stem borer complex. The data revealed that population of Scirpophaga incertulas was found significantly positive correlated (r= 0.617) with sunshine hours and significantly negative correlated with minimum temperature (r= -0.553). The population of Sesamia inferens was found significantly positive correlated (r= 0.613) with sunshine hours. The larval population of Scirpophaga innotata was not found significant with any weather parameter. The per cent dead heart was found significantly positive correlated with minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and evening humidity (r= 0.550, 0.662 and 0.633, respectively). The per cent white ear was found significantly positive correlated with maximum temperature and sunshine hours (r= 0.535 and 0.627, respectively) and significantly negative correlated with minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and evaporation (r= -0.658, -0.689, -0.703 and 0.819, respectively).

Comparative efficacy of different botanicals for controlling white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) under field conditions

Comparative efficacy of different botanicals for controlling white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) under field conditions

Biological parameters and comparative morphometrics studies of Scirpophaga spp. in rice

The comparative biological studies on yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Wlk.) and white Stem Borer, Scirpophaga fusciflua Hampson showed that the moths of both species preferred to lay eggs on the dorsal surface of leaves. The eggs were laid in masses during night hours and covered with brownish hairs of the anal tuft. The maximum eggs of S. incertulas hatched on 6th day, whereas the S. fusciflua eggs hatched on the 5th day with per cent hatchability of 86 and 93 per cent, respectively. There were six larval instars in S. incertulas with 25-34 days larval duration and five for S. fusciflua with 26-31 days larval duration. The pupal period lasts for 7-9 days in both species, and the adults emerge from the pupae during dusk hours. Adults exhibited sexual dimorphism. The longevity of male and female moths was also similar in both species. The morphometries of larval head capsule width were more in S. incertulas as compared to S. fusciflua. Male pupal weight of both the species were almost similar but it was varied significantly in female pupa S. incertulas (0.024mg) and S. fusciflua (0.032mg).

1-octadecene, A Female Produced Aggregation Pheromone of the Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes)

Coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes is a serious insect pest of coffee across the world. Pheromone traps baited with male produced 2-hydroxy- 3-decanone (2H3D) attracted females, and also males. Interestingly, a pair of males and females in a cage attracted more beetles compared to 2H3D traps. We hypothesized volatiles emitted from females are perceived by males. Volatiles from females were collected through the air entrainment method and identified 1-octadecene by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Release of 1-octadecene was female specific, however, both male and female antennae elicited responses in chromatography-electroantennography. Electroantennogram responses were dose-dependent in both sexes and were higher in the antennae of females. Combination of male pheromone component 2H3D, and female produced 1-octadecene at 1:2 ratio increased both male (0.69 ± 0.13; mean ± SEM in -mV) and female (0.98 ± 0.20) antennal responses. Responses to constant doses of 2H3D and increasing doses of 1-octadecene (1:4, 1:6, 1:8, 1:10) were not different from male pheromone alone. Beetle captures to male pheromone alone at 3 different doses (75, 150 and 300 mg) were not significantly different from a pair of live beetle traps. A blend of 2H3D and 1-octadecene at 1:2 ratio trapped more beetles (3.50 ± 0.65; mean ± SEM) over 2H3D alone (2.00 ± 0.82), overall, our experiments suggest 1-octadecene is an aggregation pheromone. Our results support the hypothesis that males use 1-octadecene in mate finding, and potential to use it for monitoring and mass trapping.

Application of Biofertilizing Agents and Entomopathogenic Fungi in Lowland Rice

Protection of rice plant health that is environmentally friendly and free of toxic synthetic chemicals requires the availability of effective biological agents in biocontrol and biofertilization. This research aims to determine the effect of Trichoderma asperellum and entomopathogenic fungi on growth, pest attack index, and lowland rice production in stem borer endemic land. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with the main plot being Trichoderma applications consisting of without and with Trichoderma asperellum, while the sub plots were applications of entomopathogenic fungi consisting of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and without entomopathogens. The experiment was repeated four times. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and HSD test at the 5% level. The interaction of these two factors has a significant effect on plant response. Combination application of Trichoderma esperellum with Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae increased the maximum number of tillers by 39.53% and 46.51% respectively, reduced the intensity of the rice white stemborer attack symptoms by 39.53-46.51%, increased the maximum number of panicles by 15.76% and 13.34%, grain weight per hill 21.66% and 17.33%. Trichoderma asperellum and entomopathogens can be used to protect rice plants in areas endemic to stem borer pests.

Survey for incidence of coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolet) on robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) plantations at Kodagu region of Karnataka state, India

Coffee is an important commercial crop attacked by various insect pests. Among them, coffee white stem borer (CWSB), Xylotrechus quadripes (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is the most serious and economically important pest of arabica coffee. The incidence of CWSB has been noticed in arabica coffee, whereas the other commercial variety, viz., robusta, has been tolerant against this pest so far. Of late, the incidence of CWSB is reported regularly in robusta plantations in the Kodagu region of Karnataka State, India. To understand the extent of CWSB incidence in robusta coffee, a systematic survey was conducted in 40 estates of Polibetta and Siddapura liaison Zones during the year 2019. CWSB infestation and the details on the percentage of CWSB, cultivar types, and age of the plants were recorded. The results of the survey revealed that the incidence was more in aged plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 (>50 years) compared to young plants and C × R hybrid (Coffea congensis × Coffea canephora). Data on the percentage infestation was found more in Old Peridenia (16.81%), followed by S.274 (4.8%) and C × R (0.88%). The infested plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 showed typical symptoms as in the case of arabica plants like ridge formation, drooping and yellowing of leaves, wilting, defoliation, exit holes and death of branches and whole plants. Hence, Indian coffee farmers are shifting slowly from arabica to robusta coffee because of CWSB infestation. This survey emphasized that a complete shift from arabica to robusta cultivation may face a similar infestation problem unless management practices are followed promptly.

Emergence and Incidence of Coffee White Stemborer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat, 1863 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), under Different Rainfall Regimes across the Coffee-growing Regions of Karnataka, India

The coffee white stem borer (CWSB), Xyloterchus quadripes Chevrolat, 1863 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most destructive pests of arabica coffee in India. As coffee cultivation in India is mostly confined to the hilly tracts of the Western Ghats of the southern states and it is mainly grown in Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts of Karnataka with varying rainfall patterns ranging from more than 3000 mm to less than 1000 mm. The study of the incidence of WSB and emergence of adults in relation to local weather conditions in the estates at different rainfall patterns in Karnataka [High(<2500mm), Medium (2000 to 1000mm) and low(<1000mm) rainfall areas] for two years (2016 and 2017). The emergence data and local weather parameters viz rainfall, relative humidity and temperature were correlated with adult emergence. The results indicated that the emergence of CWSB during the years 2016 and 2017 exhibited a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and minimum temperature. While beetle emergence was negatively correlated with the quantity of rainfall and relative humidity across the six locations. From these observations, it is evident that the beetles required a higher temperature for their emergence and peak beetle emergence occurred during the middle of November in the winter flight season and during the end of April and the first fortnight of May in the summer flight periods. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that measured abiotic factors have significant effects on emergence of CWSB adults confirming results of correlation analysis. During the same period 2016-17, coffee plantations were surveyed randomly in all the three rainfall regimes to know the influence of annual rainfall on incidence of CWSB and the percent incidence was 10.81% at rainfall <1000, 7.67% at medium rainfall and 6.16% at high rainfall areas and was non-significant across rainfall regimes.

Natural Enemies of Rice White Stem Borer <i>Scirpophaga fusciflua</i> (Hampson) in Himachal Pradesh

Fortnightly surveys were made to study natural enemies of white stem borer (WSB) Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in rice. The surveys revealed that the predators of S. fusciflua first appeared in the second fortnight of July, with the peak during second fortnight of September during 2016 and 2017; and their relative proportion was- spiders (49.4% and 51.2%), dragonflies (22.2% and 22.6%) and damselflies (28.4% and 26.2%). Four species of parasitoids viz., egg- Telenomus sp. and Tetrastichus sp., larval- Stenobracon sp. and pupal parasitoids- Xanthopimpla punctata were observed from egg mass, larvae and pupae collected from Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. During 2016 and 2017, the % parasitization was observed to be maximum in the first fortnight of October (53.5 and 62.0%) followed by second fortnight of September (36.4 and 49.1%), respectively.

Field Screening of Arabica Coffee Genotypes against Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes) and Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) Infestation in Kaski, Nepal

Twenty-three coffee (Coffea arabica) genotypes were evaluated for relative resistance against coffee white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes) and coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) at Horticulture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara during three consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. The monthly observation on the emergence of this borer showed that coffee genotypes "Yellow caturra" and “Tekisic” were highly infested with coffee white stem borer as compared to the other genotypes. However, no infestation was observed in genotypes Catimor, San Ramon, Indo Tim-Tim, Ketisic, Pacas, Syangja special and both Vermelo and Amarillo groups in Catui and Caturra acessions. Similarly, genotypes Catimor, Indo Tim-Tim and San Ramon were determined to be resistant to coffee leaf rust. While coffee germplasm- Ketisic was also recorded as relatively resistant against coffee leaf rust. These results have important implications for the development of coffee white stem borer and leaf rust resistant high yielding coffee variety in the future.

Assessment of Yield Losses Due to White Stem Borer Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in Rice

Field experiments were conducted to assess the extent of losses occurring in rice crop due to the white stem borer (WSB) Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) at different stages of crop growth. Results revealed that maximum infestation in terms of deadhearts and white ears was 11.6% at maximum release level (6 larvae/ hill) and the least (6.2%) at 2 larvae/ hill. The avoidable losses varied from 7.5 to 32.3%. The infestation % of released larvae was lowest to the economic threshold level.

Integrated data aggregation with fault-tolerance and lifetime energy-aware adaptive routing in coffee plantations using WSNs

The pest namely coffee white stem borer (CWSB) has harmed the economic progress of many emerging countries as a result of arabica coffee’s agricultural products. The boring activity causes the stem to shrink, fade in color, and acquire translucent margins across the stem. The pest multiplier can be controlled by capturing the location with the utilization of a wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and blocking its exit point at the user end. In this work, we propose an integrated data aggregation with faulttolerance and lifetime energy-aware adaptive routing (IDALAR) approach to transfer the sensed pest location data. The efficient packet format and statistical models based routing between clusterheads (CHs) and base station (BS) is proposed considering the availability of resources such as message overhead, algorithmic complexity, residual energy, and control overhead are all used to calculate its performance.

Trichogramma chilonis, an effective egg parasitoid for control of white stem borer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker), (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in rice

Rice an important staple food crop of the world, which is attacked by the various insect pests, among them the stem borers are the most destructive pests, distributed in all rice growing areas of the world and cause the severe losses. This research investigated the efficacy of the parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) to control the white stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata) in rice. In this respect the field studies were conducted in lower Sindh, Pakistan for the year, Kharif - 2017 and 2018. Trichogramma egg parasitoid over 230 species are reported to have been remained in biological control of insect pests of over 200 insect species belonging to 70 different families, mainly the order Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Orthroptera and Thysnoptera, in order to manage the white stem borer of rice the Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) was used as a bio-control agent. The Studies revealed that T. chilonis proved an effective biocontrol strategy against white stem borer of rice. The result of this study could be useful in an integrated pest management program for the management of white stem borer of rice the Trichogramma chilonis. Keywords: Stem borer, Biocontrol, Parasitoid, Population suppression.

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in the coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a major destructive pest of Coffea arabica L. (Gentianales: Rubiaceae), widely planted in many Asian countries, including China. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a common method for quantitative analysis of gene transcription levels. To obtain accurate and reliable qRT-PCR results, it is necessary to select suitable reference genes to different experimental conditions for normalizing the target gene expression. However, the stability of the expression of reference genes in X. quadripes has rarely been studied. In this study, the expression stability of nine candidate reference genes were investigated under biotic and abiotic conditions for use in qRT-PCR's normalization. By integrating the results of four algorithms of NormFinder, BestKeeper, geNorm, and RefFinder, the optimal reference gene combinations in different experimental conditions were performed as follows: RPL10a and EIF3D were the optimal reference genes for developmental stage samples, EIF4E, RPL10a, and RPS27a for tissue samples, V-ATP and EF1α for the sex samples, EIF3D and V-ATP for temperature treatment, RPS27a and RPL10a for insecticide stress, and RPL10a, RPS27a, and EF1α for all the samples. This study will help to obtain the stable internal reference genes under biotic and abiotic conditions and lay the foundation for in-depth functional research of target genes or genomics on olfactory molecular mechanisms, temperature adaptability, and insecticide resistance in X. quadripes.

Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f) as a promising trap plant for the biocontrol of rice white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker)

The rice white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata Walker (Family: Crambidae) is a major lepidopteran pest of rice from seedling to ear setting stage. Due to their hidden life style, no satisfactory means of control other than systemic pesticide application, habitat management, and egg parasitism have been prescribed yet. It is observed that S. innotata use a plant, the Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis (Burm. F.)) (Family: Cyperaceae) for oviposition. We investigated why and how S. innotata is benefited by using E. dulcis for oviposition to prescribe it as a trap plant for managing the pest. We surveyed moths and egg clutches, and studied functional traits of eggs, egg hatching, and egg parasitism in eggs deposited on rice and the chestnut for three years in Kaipad rice fields of peninsular India. We observed 20 times more egg clutches on the chestnut than on rice. The egg density in clutches and hatching rate were high in eggs deposited on the chestnut. Egg parasitism was meager and restricted only to the eggs deposited on rice. However, no larvae hatched on the chestnut in the lab survived. The results suggest that E. dulcis could be a dead-end trap plant for biological control of S. innotata. We do not rule out the probability of the moth using E. dulcis for oviposition, escaping from egg parasitoids, and most importantly for rapid spread of neonates to rice. We recommend using E. dulcis as a trap plant to trap the eggs and removing them to manage this pest in rice fields.

Bionomics, Abundance and Management of Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes Chervolet) in Nepal

An experiment was conducted to study the life cycle, seasonal abundance and management practices of coffee white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes) at Horticulture Research Station, Kaski, Pokhara, Nepal from April, 2016 to October, 2019. The life cycle of coffee white stem borer was studied in laboratory by inoculation of first instar larvae into coffee branches up to adult emergence. The first instar larvae took 94±3 days to become adult. The monthly observation on the emergence of this borer showed that it was highly weather dependent and has two peak periods of emergence: April - June and September - November. Coffee white stem borer infestation was reduced to 11.11% with the application of treatments like scrubbing of stem and application of red soil mixed with fresh cow dung (1:1) or by stem scrubbing and application of Bordeaux paste on it followed by root zone application of Metarrhizium anisopliae (22.22%) or Beauveria bassiana (22.22%), or spraying of 10% lime (22.22%). Proper and timely management practices during cultivation and selection of borer resistant genotype seem beneficial for the coffee growers. Further, application of borer management practices based on abundance models are recommended to minimize the pest infestation.

Effectiveness of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against the African White Rice Stem Borer Maliarpha separatella Rag

The efficacy of three entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) species Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, Steinernema karii Waturu, Hunt & Reid, Heterorhabdtids indica Poinar, Karunaka & David and two EPN isolates collected from Coastal Kenya (EX MOMBASA) and Rift valley (EX NAKURU) was evaluated against larvae of African white rice stem borer, Maliarpha separatella Rag. The experiment was carried out using no- choice modified filter paper bioassay at KARI-Mwea. Whatman filter paper was substituted with white cotton cloth discs. The activity of the biological agents under study was determined at 25℃ and 65% relative humidity, with concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 infective juveniles (IJs) per one M. separatella third instar larva. The larvae were confined in 60mm plastic petri dishes in darkness as the larvae spend their entire life inside the rice stems. The mortality rate was determined at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after application of the nematode suspension. Significant virulence was obtained with all the nematode species at 200 infective juveniles (IJs). There was low mortality at 50 and 100 concentration rates. All the EPNs significantly reduced M. separatella larvae after 48 hours in the following order H. indica> EX NAKURU> S. carpocapsae> EX MOMBASA >S. karii. The number of nematodes from the infected cadavers after 48 hours post infection was H. indica (553), EX –MSA (294), EX-NKU (242), S. karii (168) and S. carpocapsae (157). S. karii took the longest time (96 hours) to kill all the test insects. In conclusion, the study shows that EPNs are effective against M. separatella and could be used within an integrated pest management strategy for the pest. There is need to carry out further studies to determine effective dosages under field conditions.

Modelling the effect of temperature on the biology and demographic parameters of the African coffee white stem borer, Monochamus leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The African coffee white stem borer Monochamus leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a destructive insect pest of Arabica coffee trees in African highlands. Our study aims to provide information on the pest biology as influenced by temperature, determine thermal thresholds, and provide life table parameters for M. leuconotus reared in the laboratory. The life cycle of M. leuconotus was studied at seven constant temperatures in the range 15-35°C, with 80±5% RH and a photoperiod of L:D 12:12. Linear and nonlinear models were fitted to laboratory data to describe the impact of temperature on M. leuconotus development, mortality, fecundity and senescence. The complete life cycle was obtained between 18 and 30°C, with the egg incubation period ranging 10.8-29.2 days. The development time was longest for the larva, with 194.2 days at 30°C and 543.1 days at 18°C. The minimum temperature threshold (Tmin) was estimated at 10.7, 10.0 and 11.5°C, for egg, larva and pupa, respectively. The maximum temperature threshold (Tmax) was estimated at 37.4, 40.6 and 40.0°C for egg, larva and pupa, respectively. The optimum temperature for immature stage survival was estimated between 23.0 and 23.9°C. The highest fecundity was 97.8 eggs per female at 23°C. Simulated life table parameters showed the highest net reproductive rate (Ro) of 11.8 daughters per female at 26°C and maximal intrinsic rate of increase (rm) between 26 and 28°C, with a value of 0.008. Our results will help understanding M. leuconotus biology as influenced by temperature and may be used to predict the distribution and infestation risk under climate warming for this critical coffee pest.

First report of Rinamba opacicollis Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Doryctinae) in India as parasitoid of coffee stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Rinamba opacicollis Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was collected from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India for the first time from the larvae of white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat infesting arabica coffee. Its role in the biological or integrated control of X. quadripes remains to be evaluated. White stem borer could be the first host record of this parasitoid all over the world.

Peranan Parasitoid Telur Penggerek Batang Padi Putih Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) Pada Berbagai Fase Pertumbuhan Tanaman Padi

White stem borer Scirpophaga innotata Walkers is known as a species that always causes loss of rice yields in Indonesia and the Asia region and Australia. White stem borer attacks all stages of rice plant growth starting in the nursery until harvest. Until now, synthetic chemical pesticides are still a mainstay of farmers in controlling these pests. Then it is necessary to promote biological pest management, the use of biological agents is pest management technology because a save, economical and effective. Biological control through multiplication and parasitoid release needs to be focused on parasitoid it has adapted to the local environment. This study aims to examine the role of egg parasitoid S. innotata through the type and level of egg parasitization at various phases of rice plant growth. This research was conducted by collecting as many white rice stem borer eggs as possible based on the growth phase of rice plants, i.e. age 11-25 days after planting (DAP), 26-40 DAP, 41-55 DAP, 56-70 DAP, and 71-85 DAP. Observations were made by counting hatching and non-hatching eggs, as well as the type and number of parasitoids that appeared. The results show that the egg parasitoid found was Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead, Tetrastichus schoenobii Ferriere, Telenomus rowani Gahan. The highest level of egg parasitization is at 71-85 DAP.