INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF THE PARASITOID <i>Diadegma semiclausum</i> (HELLEN) FOR THE CONTROL OF <i>Plutela xylostella</i> IN NICARAGUA

Abstract

In order to evaluate the parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum
(Hellen), as an alternative of biological control of Plutella
xylostella, a foot breeding was introduced in Nicaragua.
Studies were conducted concerning the sanitation of the
foot breeding brought from Taiwan (Quarantine), biological
behavior of the insect in laboratory conditions and in cabbage
fields. The studies were conducted in the laboratory of
parasitoid of the National Agrarian University (Managua)
and fields planted with cabbage located in the Department of
Esteli. Temperature of 21°C and relative humidity of 65%
on average remained in the field area. The restructuring phase
was to assess the suitability of parasitoid sent from Taiwan.
We identify insects (adults) from the foot breeding and the
first three generations in quarantine stage. During this period,
atypical insect of D. semiclausum (Hellen) were not found.
Another variable assessed was the relationship female-male,
which began with 1:7 from the foot breeding, improved to
1:2 at the end of the quarantine stage. The biology split into
periods of egg, larva, pupa and adult, getting averaged values
of 10.2, 5.7 and 14.8 days respectively, for a total cycle of 31.4
days. The percentage of parasitism recorded during the first
two phases was of an average of 90% in laboratory conditions.
Field plants of cabbage (Brassica oleoreacea var. capitata)
were planted to determine the incidence of D. semiclausum. At
harvest time it was found that the percentage of parasitism was
70%. Incidence of native parasitoid in the region (Diadema
insularis Cressin), was 59% compared with parasitism of
parasitoid introduced D. semiclausum (Hellen) that was 11%.

Key words: Parasitoide, Diadegma semiclausum, Plutella xylostella

DOI: 10.5377/calera.v9i12.5