Cold storage of Ganaspis kimorum (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) immature stages for optimized classical biological control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Programs to mass rear and release Ganaspis kimorum Buffington (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) are ongoing in many countries to manage its host Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). To optimize parasitoid production and synchronize field releases with pest outbreaks, we investigated a cold storage protocol by exposing different immature G. kimorum stages to 2 storage temperatures (10 or 15°C) for 2, 4, 6, or 8 wk.

Pesticide immunotoxicity on insects - Are agroecosystems at risk?

Recent years have witnessed heightened scrutiny of the non-target sublethal effects of pesticides on behavioural and physiological traits of insects. Traditionally, attention has focused on investigating pesticides' primary modes of action, often overlooking the potential secondary mechanisms. This review brings forth the nuanced impacts of sublethal pesticide exposure on the immune system of target and non-target insect species.

Compatibility of Bioinsecticides with Parasitoids for Enhanced Integrated Pest Management of and .

and are successful biological invaders of agroecosystems. Their integrated pest management (IPM) programs involve the release and/or conservation of natural enemies. Among these, is a major Asian parasitoid of and has been introduced as a classical biological control agent of this pest in Europe and North America, while is a key fortuitous parasitoid of in the Mediterranean region.

Assessment of non-target toxicity of insecticides on Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) in laboratory and field conditions.

Background: G1 strain Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) has been recently released in both Europe and America as a biological control agent of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). In initial phases of classical biological control programs, it becomes imperative to evaluate the susceptibility of parasitoids to insecticides, to identify the best alternatives to adopt in an integrated pest management and organic perspective. In this study, we evaluated lethal and sublethal effects of topical application of five different insecticides classes: neonicotinoids, diamides, pyrethroids, organophosphates and spinosyns.