Agronomy for Sustainable Development (2015) 35, 1175-1183
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Biological control with Trichogramma pretiosum increases organic maize productivity by 19.4%
Agronomy for Sustainable Development 35 (3), 1175-1183
Abstract: Spodoptera frugiperda is a major pest causing maize yield loss in Brazil. There is therefore a need for control methods, notably for organic farming because classical pesticides are not allowed. A potential solution for organic maize is to apply the biological control agent Trichogramma pretiosum to reduce S. frugiperda populations. Here, we tested the application of one, two, or three releases of T. pretiosum. We measured plant damage ratings, egg masses parasitized, and grain yield. Results show that 79.2 % of egg masses were parasited. Maize yields for parasited plots increased of 701 kg/ha versus control plots. This result equals a 19.4 % gain of productivity and US$96.5 gain per hectare. Therefore, biological control with egg parasitoids is a promising alternative to control S. frugiperda in organic maize.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): John E. Foster, Ivan Cruz
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spodoptera frugiperda | Maize/corn (Zea mays) | Brazil (south) | ||
| Trichogramma pretiosum (parasitoid) | Spodoptera frugiperda | Maize/corn (Zea mays) | Brazil (south) |
