Production sequence of Anagasta kuehniella and Trichogramma species.

This chapter provides a technical guide for rearing Anagasta kuehniella [Ephestia kuehniella] for Trichogramma production. Optimal container capacity, inactivation of A. kuehniella embryos, thermal conditions, exploitation time of adult and egg collection trays, rearing problems, and storage and transport were discussed.

Concluding remarks.

After 35 years of studies, biological control using Trichogramma species is already a routine technique in Brazil. Studies in Brazil have advanced significantly, with increasing potential for use of Trichogramma species on sugarcane, cotton, soybean, corn, forests, fruit trees, and vegetables, among others, in large and small areas and in organic agriculture and greenhouses. Mastery of the techniques for rearing the factitious host is essential for these applications to become practical.

Taxonomy, biology, and behavior of Trichogramma species.

This chapter provides information on the taxonomy, biology and behaviour of Trichogramma species. Females of Trichogramma lay 70-120 eggs on average and the number of eggs is proportional to the size of the host. The sequence of behaviors by Trichogramma wasps in parasitizing an egg is well characterized. The wasp (the natural enemy) is attracted by a kairomone (a chemical substance that can be perceived by the wasp) emitted from the scales of lepidopterans (the host). The symbiont Wolbachia, a bacterium that causes feminization, parthenogenesis or cytoplasmic incompatibility, is commonly present in Trichogramma.

Introduction.

More than 235 species of Trichogramma have been described worldwide, 29 of which are reported in Brazil. These tiny egg parasitoids (0.25 mm) are associated mainly with lepidopteran pests and have been released on 18 million hectares, primarily in socialist countries (the former Soviet Union and China). This chapter introduces the rearing system for Anagasta kuehniella [Ephestia kuehniella] for Trichogramma production.