Work

From laboratory to field: Performance and interaction dynamics of Telenomus remus and Trichogramma pretiosum for biological control of lepidopteran maize pests

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Biological control using egg parasitoids is a key strategy for integrated management of lepidopteran pests in large-scale cropping systems. Among these parasitoids, Trichogramma pretiosum and Telenomus remus are widely employed in maize. However, their field release raises questions about their potential interactions and the overall effectiveness of both parasitoids. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and interaction dynamics of T. remus and T. pretiosum from laboratory to open-field conditions. Five experiments were conducted: (1) host preference of T. pretiosum and (2) T. remus between Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera eggs; (3) parasitism capacity (individual and combined); (4) interaction (different densities and release timings); and (5) field releases (individual and combined, using natural and sentinel egg masses). Telenomus remus outperformed T. pretiosum across all experimental conditions, with higher parasitism rates and no negative influence from competition or interspecific presence. When both species were released together in the field, T. remus accounted for nearly all observed parasitism, with minimal contribution from T. pretiosum, a pattern consistent with laboratory findings. Under high-density conditions, T. remus exhibited a positive density-dependent response, whereas T. pretiosum showed reduced performance, likely due to mutual interference. Therefore, the use of T. remus as a commercial biocontrol agent can be adopted not only for managing fall armyworm but also for other lepidopteran pests in maize cropping systems, for instance, H. armigera, due to its promising high parasitism.

Source: Biological Control

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.106025

Authors: Weidson P. Sutil, Leonardo Roswadoski, Adeney de F. Bueno, Yelitza C. Colmenarez, Rodrigo A.M. Maciel

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Paraná, Embrapa Soja, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Language: English

Topic: Insect-Plant Interactions and Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390