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Methodological basis for the continuous breeding and release of highwaymen damsons (Lariophagus distinguendus) for biological control of the grain beetle (Sitophilus granarius) in cereal
Project
Project code: 05OE040
Contract period: 01.09.2008
- 31.08.2010
Budget: 64,493 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Insect pests are a threat for stored products causing huge losses especially in organic farming. One of the major pests especially in grain stores in Germany is the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius L.. The parasitic wasp Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) can be used as a biocontrol agent against S. granarius and is commercially available in different European countries. Nevertheless surveys in South Germany showed that only 12 % of producers in organic farming use L. distinguendus in their storages to control granary weevils because the current mode of application is time consuming and to expensive.
To improve the use of L. distinguendus against the granary weevil the project aims to develop a mass rearing device which can be placed in the grain store to obtain a continuous release of the wasps throughout the season. The rearing device will consist of host plant seeds, hosts and parasitoids. Instead of Sitophilus granarius the bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus will be used as a substitute host.
In this context, the following aspects will be investigated:
1.The selection of suitable host seeds for the continuous rearing of the beetles and wasps in the mass rearing device.
2.The determination of the start amount of seeds, hosts and wasps, to guarantee a continuous release of wasps throughout the season.
3.The development of a mesh covered opening of the rearing device.
The obtained results will be passed on to farmers, advisers in ecological farming and scientists using al kind of different media (publications, internet, meetings, exhibitions,...).
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
