Biological control of crop pests and weeds

M. Sc. (Ag.) Entomology I year II SemesterCredit hrs: 2 (1+1)

Dr. Akhilesh KumarScientist (Plant Protection)

JNKVV-Krishi Vigyan Kendra,CoA, Rewa (MP)

Lecture-1 History of biological control

In 900 A.D. Chinese citrus growers used red ant, Oecophylla smaragdina on

mandarin trees to control leaf chewing insects. This was the first use of insect

predators.

In 1602, an Italian, Aldrovandi noted the hymenopteran parasite, Apanteles

glomeratus laying eggs in the pupae of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae.

In 1762, Indian mynah bird, Gracula religiosa was exported from India to

Mauritius to control red locust, Nomadacris septemfasciata.

In 1888, vadalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis was brought from Austrilia and

introduced into California (USA) to control cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi

on citrus.

In 1989, cocoinellid lady bird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was introduced

into India from Austrialia for the control of Coffee green scale, Coccus viridis.

In 1929, Vadalia beetle, Rodalia cardinalis was introduced into india (Tamil

Nadu) for control cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchase.

In 1937, Aphelinus mali was introduced from North America into Tamil Nadu for

control of apple wooly aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum.

In 1960, a tachnid, Spogossia bezziana was introduced into India from Srilanka

for the control of coconut black headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella.

Biological ControlThe use of natural enemies for the control of harmful insect, other animals and plants is

known as biological control. The term biological control was first used by Smith 1919 to

signify the use of natural enemies. In other word collecting and rearing of natural

enemies in great numbers in the laboratories and releasing them on harmful insects,

other animals and plants is known as biological control. In general we can say that the

study and utilization of predators, parasites and pathogens for the control of injurious

insects is known as biological control.

Lecture-2 Bio-control agentsThe different bio-control agents are

1) Predators

2) Parasitoids

3) Insect pathogens

1. PredatorsPredators are free living and require several preys to complete the life cycle. They tend

to feed on preys smaller than themselves.

Ex: Coccinellid beetles, ground beetles, anthocorid bugs, syrphid flies, predatory mites.

Coccinellid beetles are commonly called as ladybirds. These feed on aphids, scale

insects, mealy bugs and mites. Both grubs and adults are voracious feeders.

Vadalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis is used for the control of cottony cushion scale on

citrus. Australian lady bird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is commonly used for the

management of mealy bugs and scale insects.

Coccinellids, Pharoscymnus horni and Chilocorus nigrita and Stichlotis madagassa are

used in sugarcane for the control of scale insect, Melanaspis glomerata. Lady bird

beetle, Curinus coerulens is used for the control of phyllid, Heteropsylla cubana on

subabul plantations.

Chrysoperla carnea and Mallada boninensis are used in cotton and citrus ecosystem for

protection from aphids and other soft bodied insects. C. carnea feed on aphids, red

mites, thrips, white and black flies, eggs of leaf hoppers, moths, leaf miners and small

caterpillars.

Anthocorid bugs are used in sunflower for the management of thrips, aphids, eggs and

young larvae of mouth. Syrphid or hover flies are important predators of aphids of

several crops. Syrphid, Ischiodon scutellaris is used in large scale in mustard and other

crops. Crytorhinus livedipennis is the most promising predator for the control of brown

plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens in paddy.

Predatory mites, Phytoseiulus spp. Amblyseius spp. are important in controlling

phytophagous mites in several crop ecosystem.

2. ParasitoidsEach parasitoid requires only one host, which it kills for its development into a free living

adult. Parasitoids are of the same size as the hosts, or sometimes even smaller. The

adult food of parasitoids is different from that of larvae. Many adult parasitoids feed on

nectar or pollen.

Parasitoids may be specific polyphagous. The specific parasitoids are generally

preferred for classical biological control for the management of introduced pests.

Parasitoids are of different typesa) Egg prasitoids: Trichogramma egg parasitoids are used the management of

tissues borers in sugarcane, stem borer in rice, boll worms in cotton and pests of

several crops. Trichogramma chilonis is used for the control of bollworms in

cotton, intermodal borer in sugarcane and rice leaf folder.

Telenomus remus is used for the control of tobacco caterpillar.

b) Egg larval parasitoids: Chelonus balackburni is used for the control of spotted

boll worm.

c) Larval parasitoids: Campolestis chloridae is used the control of Helicoverpa

armigera.

Bracon hebetor and Bracon brevicornis for the control of coconut black headed

caterpillar

Platygaster oryzae is used for the control of rice gal midge.

d) Larval pupal parasitoids: Isotima javensis is used for the control of top shoot

borer of sugarcane.

e) Pupal parasitods: Trichospilus pupivora, and Brachymeria nephantidis are used

for the control of coconut black headed caterpillar.

f) Nymphal and adult parasitoids: Aphelinus mali is used for the control of apply

wooly aphid.

Encarsia formosa for the control of whitefly.

g) Ecto-parasitoid: Ecto-parasitoid, Epiricania melanoleuca is used for the control of

Pyrilla perpusilla on sugarcane

3. EntomopathogensEntomopathogens are disease causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses,

fungi and protozoa in insect pest, which kill their host or debilitate the future

generations. The infected insects are unable to feed properly, remain stunted, lose their

body colour and gets immobile or paralyzed. Under certain conditions they cause

disease epizootics in the field.

The various entomophatogens are

a) Entomopathogenic bacteria

b) Baculoviruses

c) Entomo-fungi

d) Protozoans

e) Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN)

a) Entomopathogenic bacteriaThey are extra cellular associated with insects and enter the body cavity through

contaminated feed and multiply. Death of the insect may be either due to

intoxication, sudden lack of oxygen, chemical changes in the gut or by the toxins or

crystal produced in the bacterial cells. Several commercial products based on

Bacillus thuringiensis and its sub sp. are available and are widely used for controlling

lepidopteran pests. B thruingiesnsis is recommended for the suppression of

Helicoverpa armigera on tobacco, sunflower and pulses; Achaea janata on castor;

Spodotera litura on tobacco and beet root and Adisura atkinsoni on field beans.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against Lepidoptera.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleraie against wax moth

Bacillus thuringiensis var. sandiego and Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionsis

against beetles and weevils.

Paenibacillus popilliae is used against several species of white grubs including

Holotrichia consaguinea and Leucopholis coneophora on groundnut and L.

lepidophora on sugarcane.

b) BaculovirusesViruses are sub microscopic, obligate, intracellular pathogenic entities. Viruses in the

family of baculoviridae are the best known of all the insect viruses because the

disease symptoms are easily recognized and they have potential for the

development as microbial insecticides. Baculoviruses are double stranded DNA

viruses having bacilliform or rod shaped virions. Important sub groups with in the

family are Nuclear Polyhedrosis Viruses (NPV) and the Granulosis Viruses (GV)

which are widely used in pest control the NPVs are specific to host species or genus.

GVs are more specific than the NPVs and are reported from Lepidoptera.

Commercial formulation of NPVs are commonly used by the farmers for the

management to tobacco caterpillar and gram caterpillar. Addition of optical

brighteners, tannic acid, boric acid, jaggery improves the effectiveness of NPVs.

NPV of Amsacta albistrigs and A. moorei are used on groundnut for the control of red

hairy caterpillars. Ha-NPV is used for the control of Helicoverpa armigera on cotton,

chickpea and groundnut. SI-NPV is used for the control of Spodoptera litura on

tobacco, groundnut, black gram and cotton.

GV of Chilo infuscutellus is used for the management of shoot borer on sugarcane

c) EntomofungiDifferent enotmofungal pathogens such as white muscardine, green muscardine and

yellow muscardine are known to attack various pest. The spores of the fungus

directly penetrate integument of pest and body cavity is attack. The fungus with its

mycelium and spores cover the body of host.

Beauveria basiana against rice hispa, Spodoptera litura and lepidopteran tissue

borers sugarcane. Metarrhizium anisopliae and Beauveria brongniartii against

Holotrichia serrata and Leucopholis lepidophora on sugarcane and Holotrichia

consanguinea on groundnut and on Oryctes rhinoceros. Nomurae rileyi against

Spodoptera litura; Fusarium oxysporum on Nilaparvata Lugens, Verticllium lecanii on

Coccus viridis and Hirsutella thompsoni on mites.

d) ProtozoansProtozo kill the insect either directly or by reducing the fecundity of the adult. Their

effect on host is chronic. The prolong the larval life in the field, thus exposing the

insect longer to predators and parasitoids. These are called debilitating infections.

They are always associated with other pathogens.

Ex : Nosema melolonthae against chaffer beetles

Farinocystis triboli against red flour beetle

Nosema locustae against grasshoppers

e) Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN)Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) (Steinernematids and Heterorhabdits) directly

attack the insect pest. The invasive larvae of EPNs carry the associated bacteria

Xenorhabdus sp. or Photorhabdus sp. In their gut, which not only kill the invaded host

with in 24-48 hr but also produce a biostatic substance that retards the purification of

the cadaver. The nematodes feed on these bacteria and are capable of producing

several generations in their dead hosts. The EPNs are susceptible to desiccation.

Ex: Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabdits bacteriophora against soil

inhabiting insects and tissue borers.

Biological control: A tool for t tpest management

Akhilesh KumarJNKVV, JabalpurJNKVV, Jabalpur

Biological ControlsBiological ControlsBiological ControlsBiological Controls

B fi i l i l d i t• Beneficial animals and insects• Beneficial microorganisms ‐ Bt, milky g , yspore, Beauveria bassiana (fungus), Nosema (protozoan)Nosema (protozoan)

Biological Control in ActionBiological Control in ActionBiological Control in ActionBiological Control in Action

• Importation: Foreign exploration is conducted to identify and collect natural enemies in the country y yfrom which an exotic pest has been introduced. 

• Conservation: A variety of management activities can b d t ti i th i l d/ ff tibe used to optimize the survival and/or effectiveness of natural enemies. 

• Augmentation: Natural enemies that are unable to• Augmentation: Natural enemies that are unable to survive and/or persist in a new environment can sometimes be reared in large numbers and periodically released to suppress a pest population. 

Characteristics of effective Characteristics of effective biocontrolbiocontrolagentsagents

• Narrow host range. Generalized predators may be good natural enemies but they don't kill enough pests when other types of prey are also availabletypes of prey are also available. 

• Climatic adaptability. Natural enemies must be able to p ysurvive the extremes of temperature and humidity that they will encounter in the new habitat. 

• Synchrony with host (prey) life cycle. The predator or parasite should be present when the pest first emerges or appears. 

• High reproductive potential. Good biocontrol agents produce large numbers of offspring. Ideally, a parasite completes 

h i d i h i f hmore than one generation during each generation of the pest. 

Characteristics of effective Characteristics of effective biocontrolbiocontrolagentsagents

Effi i t h bilit I d t i ff ti t l• Efficient search ability. In order to survive, effective naturalenemies must be able to locate their host or prey even whenit is scarce. In general, better search ability results in lower

t l ti d itipest population densities.• Short handling time. Natural enemies that consume prey

rapidly or lay eggs quickly have more time to locate andp y y gg q yattack other members of the pest population. Smallpopulations of efficient natural enemies may be moreeffective biocontrol agents than larger populations of lessg g p pefficient species.

• Survival at low host (prey) density. If a natural enemy is tooefficient it may eliminate its own food supply and thenefficient, it may eliminate its own food supply and thenstarve to death. The most effective biocontrol agents reducea pest population below its economic threshold and thenmaintain it at this lower equilibrium levelmaintain it at this lower equilibrium level.

Successes full  Examples of Bio control Agents  Successes full  Examples of Bio control Agents  of Insect Pests in worldof Insect Pests in worldof Insect Pests in worldof Insect Pests in world

• Cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi).  This pest of citrus is kept in check by Rodolia cardinalis a ladybeetleis kept in check by Rodolia cardinalis, a ladybeetle introduced from Australia. 

• Woolly apple aphids (Eriosoma lanigerum).  In apple h d f th th t d th t U Sorchards of the northeastern and northwestern U. S., 

these aphids are controlled by Aphelinus mali, a chalcid parasite native to Europe. 

• Alfalfa weevils (Hypera postica).  An tachinidae wasp (Bathyplectes curculionis) parasitizes this beetle’s larvae and a braconid wasp (Microtonus aethiopoides) p ( p )parasitizes the adults. 

• Cassava mealybugs (Phenacoccus manihoti).  This pest spread throughout much of tropical Africa in the 1980’sspread throughout much of tropical Africa in the 1980 s, but it has been largely brought under control by an achinid wasp (Apoanagyrus lopezi) discovered in South AmericaAmerica. 

Successes full  Successes full  ExamplesExamples of Bio control Agents  of of Bio control Agents  of Insect Pests in worldInsect Pests in worldInsect Pests in worldInsect Pests in world

• Oriental fruit flies (Dacus dorsalis).  In Hawaii, these pests of mangoes and other fruits are commonly held in check bymangoes and other fruits are commonly held in check by Opius oophilus, a braconid wasp from the Philippine Islands. 

• Purple scale (Lepidosaphes beckii).  In California citrus groves, this pest is successfully controlled by ladybeetles (Chilocorusspp.) and parasitic wasps (e.g. Aphytis lepidosaphes). 

• Winter moths (Operophtera brumata) In Canada, theseWinter moths (Operophtera brumata).  In Canada, these insects are pests of forest and shade trees.  They have been successfully controlled by Cyzenis albicans (a tachinid fly) and Agrypon flaveolatum (an ichneumonid wasp)Agrypon flaveolatum (an ichneumonid wasp). 

• Cereal leaf beetles (Oulema melanopus). This species is a pest of small grains in the achinidn U. S. Its eggs are attacked by a 

id (A h fl i ) it l iti d bmymarid wasp (Anaphes flavipes), its larvae are parasitized by a eulophid wasp (Testrastichus julus), and adults are susceptible to a fungal pathogen (Beauveria bassiana).

Successes full  Examples of Bio control Agents  Successes full  Examples of Bio control Agents  of Insect Pests in worldof Insect Pests in world

Bl t h l f i (A f t ll ) I th t U• Blotch leafminers (Agromyza frontella). In the eastern U. S., this pest of alfalfa is parasitized by a braconid wasp (Dacnusa dryas) and a eulophid wasp (Aphytis yanonensis) i t d d f Chiintroduced from China. 

• Coconut moths (Levuana iridescens). In Fiji, these pests were brought under control by introducing Ptychomyia g y g y yremota, a tachinid fly from Malaysia.

• Green stink bugs (Nezara viridula).  Tachinid flies (Trichopoda spp ) from Antigua and Monserrat were(Trichopoda spp.) from Antigua and Monserrat were released in Hawaii to control this pest of vegetable crops. 

• Palm scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi). This insect pest tt k t l d h l t I G itattacks ornamentals and greenhouse plants.  In Greece, it is largely controlled by Aphytis melinus, a eulophid wasp introduced from California. 

Successes full  Examples of Biocontrol Agents of Insect Pests in India

• Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (=Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov)): A solitary larval parasitoid of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.).

• Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead: An egg parasitoid ofTrichogramma japonicum Ashmead: An egg parasitoid of several lepidopterous hosts. Recommended against graminaceous stem and tissue borers on rice, sugarcane, etc.

• Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem: Introduced parasitoid of• Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem: Introduced parasitoid of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari); established in southern India.

fl l d f• Cotesia flavipes Cameron Larval parasitoid of graminaceous stem borers.

• Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani. A fortuitously introducedEncarsia guadeloupae Viggiani. A fortuitously introduced parasitoid of spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, established and providing substantial control.

• Bracon brevicornisWesmael A common larval ectoparasitoid• Bracon brevicornis Wesmael. A common larval ectoparasitoid of several lepidopterous hosts.

Successes full  Examples of Successes full  Examples of BiocontrolBiocontrol Agents of Insect Agents of Insect Pests inPests in IndiaIndiaPests in Pests in IndiaIndia

G i h tidi M b k A ff ti t it id• Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck An effective ectoparasitoid of coconut blackheaded caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker.

• Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. An exotic parasitoid of Planococcus spp., established in southern India.

• Stenobracon deesae: A common larval parasitoid ofStenobracon deesae: A common larval parasitoid of graminaceous stemborers.

• Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff):A common pupal parasitoid of several hostsseveral hosts

• Chelonus blackburni Cameron: An introduced egg‐larval parasitoid, now established on several lepidopterous hosts.

• Campoletis chlorideae Uchida: A larval parasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera

Successes full  Examples of Successes full  Examples of BiocontrolBiocontrol Agents of Insect Agents of Insect Pests inPests in IndiaIndiaPests in Pests in IndiaIndia

• Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov):A pupal parasitoid of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

• Trichogramma chilonis Ishii: Egg parasitoid of several lepidopterous h t l d d b I di i t i f t tihosts, commonly produced by Indian insectaries for augmentative releases in crops like sugarcane, cotton, etc.

• Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (=Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov)): A solitary larval parasitoid of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L )larval parasitoid of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). 

• Trichospilus pupivorus Ferriere A gregarious pupal parasite of several lepidopterous pests; also hyperparasitic through tachinids

• Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja: An indigenous egg parasitoid ofTrichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja: An indigenous egg parasitoid of several lepidopterous hosts like Bactra venosana, Chilo spp., Helicoverpa armigera, Pelopidas mathias, etc.

• Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (=T. brasiliensis auctt.)An introduced egg g p y ( ) ggparasitoid of several lepidopterous hosts on sugarcane, cotton, tomato, etc

• Xanthopimpla stemmator (Thunberg), A larval parasitoid of bgraminaceous stem borers.

Some Common Some Common Beneficial InsectsBeneficial InsectsBeneficial InsectsBeneficial Insects

What are Natural Enemies?What are Natural Enemies?What are Natural Enemies?What are Natural Enemies?

• Organisms that kill, decrease reproductive potential, or otherwise reduce the numbers of another organism

• How do they do this? Through predation, parasitism, herbivory, competition, antibiosis (when pa as t s , e b o y, co pet t o , a t b os s ( eorganisms secrete substances that inhibit vital activities of other organisms)g )

Beneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial Organisms

P d t l d lt h t tt k d• Predators: larva or adult hunts, attacks, and consumes prey; examples include lady beetles, l i i tid hid flilacewings, praying mantids, syrphid flies, assassin bugs, minute pirate bugs, spiders, and 

d t itpredatory  mites• Each one eats many insects in its lifetime• Not picky eaters

Beneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial Organisms

P it id i t d l i id h t• Parasitoids: immatures develop on or inside a host, killing it as they mature; they emerge as adults and 

ti th l l i l d iti flicontinue the cycle; examples include parasitic flies and wasps 

• Each one eats only one insect in its lifetime• Usually very picky eatersy y p y

Beneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial OrganismsBeneficial Organisms

P th l i d kill h t l• Pathogens: colonize and kill host; examples include nematodes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and 

tprotozoa• Weed Feeders: weeds can be attacked by arthropods, vertebrates, and pathogens (fungi, viruses, bacteria, and nematodes)

Beneficial Organisms Commercially Available for Pest ManagementBeneficial organismBeneficial organism Target PestTarget Pest

P iti E i f Whit fliParasitic wasps, Encarsia formosa WhitefliesParasitic wasps, Aphytis melinus ScalesLeaf miner parasite, Dacnusca sibiriica and Serpentine leaf ea e pa as te, ac usca s b ca a dDiglyphus isaea

Se pe t e eaminers, fungus gnats

Predatory mites, Amblyseius californicus, Phytoseiulus longipes and Phytoseiulus persimilis Spider mitesPhytoseiulus longipes and Phytoseiulus persimilisPredatory mites, Amblyseius cucumeris and Amblyseius mckenziei Thrips

Lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens and Cryptolaemus montrouzeri

Various soft-bodied insects and eggs

G l i Ch l Various soft-bodied Green lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea insects and eggs

BeetlesBeetles

Order Coleoptera

BeetlesBeetlesBeetlesBeetles

• 1/3 of all animals – 40% of all insects – are beetles

• Hard opaque wing covers are called elytra• Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis• Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis • Larvae and adults have chewing mouthparts• Larvae have well‐developed heads and 3 pairs of legs

Lady BeetlesLady Beetlesyy

Order Order ColeopteraColeoptera

FamilyFamily CoccinellidaeCoccinellidaeFamily Family CoccinellidaeCoccinellidae

L d B tlL d B tlLady BeetlesLady Beetles

Larvae and adults                    eat soft‐bodied insects such as aphids mealybugs spideraphids, mealybugs, spider mites, caterpillars, insect eggs

Voracious aphid feeders!Voracious aphid feeders!

Two main body types:Two main body types:

1. Round (hemispherical)

2. Oval

Round Lady BeetlesRound Lady BeetlesRound Lady BeetlesRound Lady Beetles

SevenSeven‐‐spotted Lady Beetlespotted Lady Beetle 2 white spots on thorax

7 spots in a 1-4-2 pattern

Seven‐spotted lady beetlelady beetle lunches at 

the aphid caféthe aphid café

Seven‐spotted lady beetle 

larvae like aphids too!larvae like aphids too!

Larvae hatching

M lti l d A i L d B tlM lti l d A i L d B tlMulticolored Asian Lady BeetleMulticolored Asian Lady Beetle

Black spots form “M”

larva pupa

Oval Lady BeetlesOval Lady BeetlesOval Lady BeetlesOval Lady Beetles

Convergent Lady BeetleConvergent Lady Beetleg yg y

Thorax has two converging white linesconverging white lines

and a white margin

larva and eggs

Pink Spotted Lady Beetle Pink Spotted Lady Beetle 

Pl tPl t f di L d B tlf di L d B tlPlantPlant‐‐feeding Lady Beetlesfeeding Lady BeetlesSquash beetle

Mexican bean beetlebean beetle

larvae and pupa

parasitized mummy

Other Predatory BeetlesOther Predatory Beetles

OrderOrder ColeopteraColeopteraOrder Order ColeopteraColeoptera

Ground BeetleGround BeetleGround BeetleGround Beetle

Larvae and adults attack aphids, slugs, snails,

larva feeding larva feeding on caterpillaron caterpillar p , g , ,

cutworms, caterpillars

nocturnal foragersnocturnal foragers

adult

adult feeding on snail

Rove Beetle Rove Beetle 

Adults attack aphids, d flinematodes, flies;

some larvae are parasitic on maggotson maggots

short elytra

Soldier BeetleSoldier BeetleSoldier BeetleSoldier Beetle

Adults feed on grasshopper eggs, aphids, and various caterpillars; larvae feed on a

d d f i f dp ;

variety of insects and snails and slugs dead fungus-infected soldier beetle

look alike lightning buglook-alike lightning bug

Tiger Beetle Tiger Beetle gg

Adults attack many different insects

Blister BeetleBlister BeetleBlister Beetle Blister Beetle L f d h d lt f d f li d f itLarvae feed on grasshopper eggs, adults feed on foliage and fruits

striped blister beetle margined blister beetle

True BugsTrue Bugs

Order Hemiptera

True BugsTrue BugsTrue BugsTrue Bugs

T i f i ll• Two pairs of wings usually present• Forewings modified to hemelytra, hind wings 

i l bentirely membranous• Mouthparts enclosed in a piercingpiercing‐‐sucking beaksucking beak

h b h h b dthat curves beneath the body • Incomplete metamorphosis: egg, nymph, adult• Some groups (e.g., stink bugs) have scent glands on the sides of thorax

• Order includes both plant feeders and predatorsboth plant feeders and predators

Predatory BugsPredatory Bugsy gy g

O dO d H i tH i tOrder Order HemipteraHemiptera

Minute Pirate BugMinute Pirate BugMinute Pirate BugMinute Pirate Bug

adult feeding on egg

Adults and nymphs attack aphids, mites, thrips, small

adult feeding on egg

aphids, mites, thrips, small caterpillars, and insect eggs

adult feeding on aphid

nymph

BigeyedBigeyed BugBugBigeyedBigeyed BugBugadult

Adults and nymphs attack mites, thrips, flea beetles,mites, thrips, flea beetles,

small caterpillars, and insect eggs

egg

nymphs

Bi dBi d B L kB L k AlikAlikBigeyedBigeyed Bug: LookBug: Look‐‐ AlikesAlikesBi d B

Boxelder BugBigeyed Bug Tarnished Plant Bug

PestPestsmall head and eyes;

PestPestsmall head and eyes;

BeneficialBeneficialwide head, big eyes;y ;

bright colorationy ;

dull coloration, g y ;

dull brown or black

D l BD l BDamsel BugDamsel BugAd lt tt k hid th iAdults attack aphids, thrips,

leafhoppers, flea beetles, plant bugs, and small caterpillarsbugs, and small caterpillars

Adult (left) and nymphAdult (left) and nymph

Assassin BugAssassin BugAssassin BugAssassin BugAdults and nymphs attack manyadult Adults and nymphs attack manyinsects, including flies, tomatohornworms, and other largecaterpillars

eggs

p

nymphnymph

adults attacking gcaterpillar

Bee AssassinBee AssassinBee AssassinBee Assassin

i ki k liklikAssassin Bug: LookAssassin Bug: Look‐‐AlikeAlikeLeafLeaf--footed bugfooted bug Assassin bugAssassin bug

PestPestleaf shape on back leg;

thi hidd b k

BeneficialBeneficiallong, thin, unadorned legs;

h t thi k d b kthin, hidden beak short, thick, curved beak

Assassin Bug MoltingAssassin Bug MoltingAssassin Bug MoltingAssassin Bug Molting

Predatory Stink BugsPredatory Stink Bugs

Family Pentatomidae

dd ldldSpinedSpined Soldier BugSoldier Bug

Adults Adults and nymphs attack caterpillars, Colorado

t t b tl l

PodisusPodisus adult attacking beetle larvaadult attacking beetle larva

potato beetle larvae, Mexican bean beetle larvae

nymph nymph attacking Colorado potato beetle larva

Other Predatory Stink BugsOther Predatory Stink BugsOther Predatory Stink BugsOther Predatory Stink BugsAnchor bug (Stiretrus anchorago)

Two spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus)Anchor bug (Stiretrus anchorago) (Perillus bioculatus)

Anchor bug feeding on

asparagus beetle larva

nymph

Pest and Beneficial Stink BugsPest and Beneficial Stink BugsPest and Beneficial Stink BugsPest and Beneficial Stink Bugs

beak structures of predaceous (left) and plant-feeding (right) stink bugsp g ( g ) g

beak structure of brown stink bug and spined soldier bug

LacewingsLacewings

Order Neuroptera

Green LacewingGreen Lacewinggglarva feeding on aphids

larva Larvae attack soft-bodied insects including aphids, thrips mealybugs scales

larva

thrips, mealybugs, scales, mites, and caterpillars

larvae emerging fstalked eggs from eggsstalked eggs

adult

Brown LacewingBrown LacewingBrown LacewingBrown Lacewinglarva adultadult

egg pupa

Other PredatorsOther Predators

Parasitic Wasps

Order Hymenoptera

Parasitic WaspsParasitic WaspsParasitic WaspsParasitic Wasps• Hymenoptera is the second largest group of insectsHymenoptera is the second largest group of insects• Over 16,000 species, most of which are beneficial• Many parasitic wasps are so tiny that many new• Many parasitic wasps are so tiny that many new species are discovered each year!

• They range in size from over an inch to almost• They range in size from over an inch to almost microscopic

• Parasitic wasps are the most important group of• Parasitic wasps are the most important group of natural enemies of pest insects

• All Hymenoptera undergo complete metamorphosis• All Hymenoptera undergo complete metamorphosis

Parasitic Waspsp• In parasitic wasps, the larval stage develops in and kills a single host insect; most adults have a very highkills a single host insect; most adults have a very high reproductive capacity, which makes them efficient at suppressing pests 

• The behavior of parasitic wasps is quite complex –many attack only one species of host insect, or a narrow range of similar hostsnarrow range of similar hosts

• Adult females are very efficient at locating the specific hostsspecific hosts

• Hosts include almost all groups of terrestrial insects• Depending on the parasite species virtually any hostDepending on the parasite species, virtually any host stage can be attacked: egg, nymph, larva, pupa, adult

• Most parasitic wasps are incapable of stinging p p p g ghumans

BraconidBraconid WaspsWaspsBraconidBraconid WaspsWaspsBraconid parasitizing a corn earworm Parasitize armyworms,

bb dli th cabbageworms, codling moths, gypsy moths, European corn

borers beetle larvae flies aphids borers, beetle larvae, flies, aphids, and other caterpillars and insects

mummy of an aphid parasitized by Braconid

wasp Aphidiusp p

Braconid larvae emerging from

Braconid pupae on tomato hornworm

parasitized moth larvatomato hornworm

IchneumonidIchneumonid WaspsWaspsIchneumonidIchneumonid WaspsWasps

Parasitize caterpillars, wasps, and beetle larvae

ScelionidScelionid WaspsWaspsScelionidScelionid WaspsWaspsadult ovipositing in a stink bug egg cluster

Parasitize eggs of caterpillars and bugs

adult ovipositing in a stink bug egg cluster

parasitized stink bug eggs

EncyrtidEncyrtid WaspsWasps

Encarsia formosa parasitizes greenhouse whiteflies Parasitize eggs, larvae, and

pupae of aphids, scale, b tl t ill d beetles, caterpillars, and

whiteflies

whitefly nymphs (black ones have been parasitized)

EncyrtidEncyrtid Wasp Wasp ((CopidosomaCopidosoma floridanumfloridanum))

adult parasitizing a cabbage looper egg Parasitize eggs

of caterpillars; l b ipolyembryonic

adults emerging from amummified cabbage

looper host

looper parasitized by Copidosoma curls into S-shape after spinning p p g

its coccoon

TrichogrammaTrichogrammaWaspWaspTrichogrammaTrichogrammaWaspWaspadult parasitizing a moth egg

Parasitize eggs of many pests, especially moths

d b tt fliand butterflies

commercial Trichogramma wasps are shipped as parasitized moth eggs glued to a card; note

emerged adult near pencil pointg p p

parasitized eggs are darker

Parasitic FliesParasitic FliesParasitic FliesParasitic Flies

Order Order DipteraDiptera

Parasitic FliesParasitic Flies

•• Flies are second only to the Hymenoptera in Flies are second only to the Hymenoptera in their importance as parasitestheir importance as parasites

•• An estimated 16,000 species of flies are An estimated 16,000 species of flies are parasitic, about 20% of all known parasitic parasitic, about 20% of all known parasitic i ti tinsectsinsects

•• Unlike parasitic wasps, most species of flies do Unlike parasitic wasps, most species of flies do t h llt h ll d l d i it th td l d i it th tnot have a wellnot have a well‐‐developed ovipositor that can developed ovipositor that can 

insert eggs into their host; insert eggs into their host; many parasitic flies many parasitic flies lay their eggs on plants which are thenlay their eggs on plants which are thenlay their eggs on plants which are then lay their eggs on plants which are then consumed by the hostconsumed by the host

TachinidTachinid FlyFlyTachinidTachinid FlyFlyadult approaching a beetle larva Parasitize cutworms, caterpillars, adult approaching a beetle larva , p ,

Japanese beetle, squash bug, green stink bugs, grasshoppers, and other pests

eggs deposited on top of Japanese beetle and tentJapanese beetle and tent

caterpillar heads

adult laying an eggTachinid larva emerging

from caterpillar

Predatory FliesPredatory Flies

Order Diptera

Predatory FliesPredatory Flies

• At least 20 fly families have species that are predaceous as larvae or adultsp

I i i h d l d l l• In species with predaceous larvae, adults lay their eggs singly or in scattered groups on plants near colonies of mites or aphids

Hover FlyHover FlyHover FlyHover Flyadult

Larvae attack aphids, scales, and other insects

hover fly larvae feeding on aphidshover fly larvae feeding on aphids

Robber FlyRobber FlyRobber FlyRobber Fly

Adults and larvae attack a variety of soft-bodied insects

adult

Aphid Midge

id l f di hid

Larvae attack aphidsmidge larva feeding on aphid

Long Legged FlyLong Legged FlyLong Legged FlyLong Legged Fly

Mi bi l I ti idMi bi l I ti idMicrobial InsecticidesMicrobial Insecticides

A) ParasitoidsA) Parasitoids Brand NamesBrand Names Host RangeHost Range•• Trichogramma chilonisTrichogramma chilonis NAU “TrichoNAU “Tricho-- Borers of RiceBorers of RiceTrichogramma chilonisTrichogramma chilonis•• Trichogramma japonicumTrichogramma japonicum

NAU TrichoNAU TrichoCard”Card”

Borers of Rice, Borers of Rice, SugarcaneSugarcane

B) PredatorB) Predator Brand NamesBrand Names Host RangeHost RangeB) PredatorB) Predator Brand NamesBrand Names Host RangeHost Range

Chrysoperla sp.Chrysoperla sp. NAU “ChrysoNAU “Chryso--Card”Card”

Soft bodies Soft bodies sucking pestsucking pestg pg p

Pathogen1. Bacteria Brand Names Host RangeBacillus thuringiensisvar. kurstaki Biobit, Javelin, Thuricide, Dipel Lepidopteran larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis Certan Xentari Agree Florbac Lepidopteran lar aegvar. aizawai Certan, Xentari, Agree, Florbac Lepidopteran larvae

Bacillus thuringiensisvar. israelensis Teknar, Bactimos, Vectobac Dipteran larvaevar. israelensisBacillus thuringiensisvar. tenderloins Trident II, M-Trak Coleopteran larvae

Bacillus popillae Doom, Japidemic, Scarab beetle larvae2. Protozoa

Hopper Stopper NOLO bait Grasshoppers andNosema locustae Hopper Stopper, NOLO bait, Noloc

Grasshoppers and Crickets

PathogenPathogen3.Fungi

Beauveria bassiana Biosoft, Larvae of soil d lli i t, dwelling insects

Hirsutella thompsoni Mycar Phytophagous mites

Lagenidium giganteum (under development) Mosquito larvae4.VirusesNuclear polyhedrosis viruses

Gypchek, Virox, Neochek-S, Virtuss

Lepidopteran larvaeC dli thGranulosis virus Decyde Codling moth larvae

) OTHER PARASITESOTHER PARASITES

Trichogramma chilonis

Ishii Trichogramma

japonicum Ashmead Trichogramma pretiosum Riley

Trichogrammatoidea

bactrae Nagaraja

Bracon brevicornis Chelonus blackburni

CCotesia vestalis (Ha.) or C i l ll

Goniozus nephantidis

Wesmael. Cameron Cotesia plutellae Kurd. Muesebeck

OTHER PARASITESOTHER PARASITES

Campoletis chlorideae

Uchida Leptomastix dactylopii

Howard Xanthopimpla

stemmator (Thunberg)

Oomyzus sokolowskii

(Kurdjumov)

Cephalonomia

stephanoderis BetremCotesia flavipes

CameronTetrastichus howardi

(Olliff)

Encarsia guadeloupae

Viggianistephanoderis Betrem Cameron (Olliff) Viggiani

Fungus infected larvaPATHOGENSPATHOGENS

Fungus infected larva

NPV infected larva of Helicoverpa

M. anisopliae

E h i N d S i

Verticillium lecanii Beauveria bassiana

Nematode species and their Nematode species and their mutualisticmutualistic bacterium being bacterium being id d f i li tiid d f i li ticonsidered for commercializationconsidered for commercialization

. Associated Bacterial Commercial Nematode species symbiotic spices status

1. 1. Steinernema carpocapsaeSteinernema carpocapsae Xenorhabdus nematophilusXenorhabdus nematophilus AvailableAvailable2. 2. Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus bovieniiXenorhabdus bovienii AvailableAvailable3.3. Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus poinariiXenorhabdus poinarii AvailableAvailable44 St i f ltiSt i f lti X h bd j iX h bd j i N t A il blN t A il bl4.4. Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus japonicusXenorhabdus japonicus Not AvailableNot Available5.5. Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus sp.Xenorhabdus sp. AvailableAvailable66 Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus spXenorhabdus sp Not UnavailableNot Unavailable6.6. Steinernema faltiaeSteinernema faltiae Xenorhabdus sp.Xenorhabdus sp. Not UnavailableNot Unavailable7. 7. Heterorhbditis bacteriophoraHeterorhbditis bacteriophora Pholorhabdus luminescensPholorhabdus luminescens AvailableAvailable8.8. Heterorhbditis marelatusHeterorhbditis marelatus Pholorhabdus luminescensPholorhabdus luminescens Not AvailableNot Available9.9. Heterorhbditis megidisHeterorhbditis megidis Pholorhabdus luminescensPholorhabdus luminescens AvailableAvailable

Sources: http://www2.oardc.ohio-state

pEntomopathogenic

N dNematode ENTOMOPATHOGENIC ENTOMOPATHOGENIC

NEMATODENEMATODENEMATODENEMATODE

Nematode Species

1.Steinernema 2.Heterorhabditis

3.Neosteinernema

Entry points for EPN to insect bodyEntry points for EPN to insect bodyEntry of EPN in insect

through

Mouth Anus

Pseudo legs

Spiracles

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larvaENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larva

H t h bditiSteinernema Heterorhabditisinfected larva

Steinernema infected larva

Juveniles of EPNJuveniles of EPN comes out from infected larva EPN infected dead larva

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected PupaENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected Pupa

EPN infected Pupa

Juveniles of EPN comes out fromcomes out from infected pupa

Myllocerus beetleENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larvaENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larvaENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larvaENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE infected larva

EPN infectedEPN infectedMyllocerus beetle