Investigating the potential use of Trichogramma, a hymenopteran egg parasitoid, in the integrated management of lepidopteran pests of cabbage in Puerto Rico

Investigating the potential use of Trichogramma, a hymenopteran egg parasitoid, in the integrated management of lepidopteran pests of cabbage in Puerto Rico

Summary

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) (DBM) is a severe pest of cruciferous crops throughout the world. In response to reduced pesticide efficacy, caused by the development of insecticide resistance, researchers have turned to the use of natural enemies. Trichogrammatid wasps are generalist egg parasitoids that have the ability to reduce early feeding by DBM larvae. Late-season DBM population crashes, usually at times of low pesticide use, have been attributed to the parasitism by Trichogramma spp. in Florida. The proposed doctoral research will be conducted in Puerto Rico in locations where cabbage production is threatened by DBM and other lepidopterous pests. This research will complement an on-going DBM IPM research program in Puerto Rico that includes the use of larval parasitoids such as Diadegma insulare.

Objectives
The work in Puerto Rico will examine the inclusion of Trichogramma into the integrated control of diamondback moth and soybean looper in cabbage. It will also examine the feasibility of incorporating this IPM technology into existing farming systems.

Specific objectives include:
1.) Establish whether Trichogramma is present in Puerto Rico and if so, which species are present in the principle cabbage-growing areas of Puerto Rico.
2.) Investigate the parasitism of DBM by Trichogramma in the laboratory and in the field. Experimental design should include factors such as alternative hosts that would normally be found in the field.
3.) Characterize the local farming systems and vegetable-growing practices using linear programming, with special focus on cabbage production and the integration of Trichogramma into IPM practices.