Development of a New Container for Storage and Release of the Parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In Brazil, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) has been used as a biological control agent against Diatraea saccharalis (F.) since 1976, because of its effectiveness in reducing populations of this pest. Three million plastic cups are used annually to release C. flavipes, which remain in the e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of economic entomology 2015-06, Vol.108 (3), p.969-974
Main Authors: Santos, Rafael F. Dos, Vacari, Alessandra M, Bortoli, Sergio A. De, Bortoli, Caroline P. De, Santos, Josy A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adults
Animals
bio-packaging
Biodegradability
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradation
BIOLOGICAL AND MICROBIAL CONTROL
Biological control
biological control agents
Bioplastics
Braconidae
Brazil
Cotesia flavipes
Cups
Diatraea saccharalis
Host-Parasite Interactions
Hymenoptera
insect biology
Larva - growth & development
Larva - parasitology
Larva - physiology
mass-rearing
Moths - growth & development
Moths - parasitology
Packaging
Parasitoids
Pest Control, Biological - methods
population
rearing
Wasps - growth & development
Wasps - physiology
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Summary:In Brazil, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) has been used as a biological control agent against Diatraea saccharalis (F.) since 1976, because of its effectiveness in reducing populations of this pest. Three million plastic cups are used annually to release C. flavipes, which remain in the environment. This study aimed to develop fully biodegradable packaging, so that releases occur without damaging the environment. The biological characteristics of C. flavipes were studied for five generations in the packaging developed (biodegradable boxes) and in the packaging currently used (non-biodegradable plastic cups and biodegradable cups), as were the costs. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using completely biodegradable and inexpensive packaging for the rearing, transport, and release of adult C. flavipes in the field.
ISSN:0022-0493
1938-291X
DOI:10.1093/jee/tov089