Insect Science and its Application (1997) 17, 305-314
L.A. Rodriguez-del-Bosque and J.W. Smith Jr. (1997)
Biological control of maize and sugarcane stemborers in Mexico: a review
Insect Science and its Application 17 (3-4), 305-314
Abstract: Surveys for natural enemies of Mexican stemborers and the major biocontrol attempts using indigenous and exotic parasites in Mexico are reviewed. Although biological control of stemborers in Mexico was initiated in the 1920s, parasite explorations were intensified during the 1980s and have continued to date in response to the invasion of Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, D. lineolata (Walker) and Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) into the United States from Mexico. Recent surveys for stemborer parasites in Mexico has led to the discovery and laboratory culturing of the braconids Allorhogas pyralophagus Marsh, Digonogastra solitaria Wharton and Quicke and Macrocentrus prolificus Wharton; the ichneumonid Mallochia pyralidis Wharton and the tachinid Lydella jalisco Woodley. The Asian braconid Cotesia flavipes Cameron was introduced and established in the states of Tamaulipas and Sinaloa against Diatraea spp. Unsuccessful attempts to establish other exotic parasites are also discussed. Stemborer predators and diseases have been poorly studied in Mexico, and their potential as biocontrol agents is unknown. The current biological control programmes of stemborers in Mexico and the potential of indigenous and exotic parasites as biocontrol agents are discussed. National and international collaboration is stressed for optimisation of resources and efficient exchange of natural enemies and their mass rearing technology.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Luis A. Rodriguez-Del-Bosque
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
review
