Articles
An innovative and effective strategy for the biocontrol of the box tree moth
Article number
1378_6
Pages
43 – 50
Language
English
Abstract
The SaveBuxus project aims to expand knowledge of the invasive lepidopteran boxwood pest, Cydalima perspectalis, and to suggest innovative biocontrol methods that are environmentally and human health friendly.
INRAEs Biocontrol Laboratory contributed to this project by researching beneficial insects of the box tree moth.
Natural boxwoods were used to collect native macro-organisms (parasitoids and predators) that would have spontaneously established on the box tree moth.
At first, oophagous parasitoids were tested, however, field trials have shown that these parasitoids alone are not sufficient to control the box tree moth.
Concerning tested larvae parasitoids, only the tachinid should be beneficial but it had not been chosen because its polyphagous activity can result in untargeted risks.
At the end, the predation potential of several collected and commercialized insect species was studied.
All of these studies enabled the most effective predator against the box tree moth to be chosen: Chrysoperla lucasina, among 18 tested species.
In order to determine a strategy of use in situ, the predation of C. lucasina on C. perspectalis eggs and young larvae was studied.
This was done according to different parameters: shape and size of the boxwood, stage and quantity of C. lucasina, density of the pest, climate, etc.
All this work was done at INRAE UEVT Antibes and at the Astredhor Sud-Ouest site.
Now, a biocontrol strategy for the box tree moth was therefore developed, with 80% efficiency against the box tree moth.
The overall strategy takes into account complementary methods as Bacillus thuringiensis (entomopathogenic bacteria commonly used against that pest) and pheromone traps.
This new method is economically and technically affordable for all users (professionals and individuals), without pest resistance and allowing a sustainable regulation of box tree moth populations in parks and gardens.
INRAEs Biocontrol Laboratory contributed to this project by researching beneficial insects of the box tree moth.
Natural boxwoods were used to collect native macro-organisms (parasitoids and predators) that would have spontaneously established on the box tree moth.
At first, oophagous parasitoids were tested, however, field trials have shown that these parasitoids alone are not sufficient to control the box tree moth.
Concerning tested larvae parasitoids, only the tachinid should be beneficial but it had not been chosen because its polyphagous activity can result in untargeted risks.
At the end, the predation potential of several collected and commercialized insect species was studied.
All of these studies enabled the most effective predator against the box tree moth to be chosen: Chrysoperla lucasina, among 18 tested species.
In order to determine a strategy of use in situ, the predation of C. lucasina on C. perspectalis eggs and young larvae was studied.
This was done according to different parameters: shape and size of the boxwood, stage and quantity of C. lucasina, density of the pest, climate, etc.
All this work was done at INRAE UEVT Antibes and at the Astredhor Sud-Ouest site.
Now, a biocontrol strategy for the box tree moth was therefore developed, with 80% efficiency against the box tree moth.
The overall strategy takes into account complementary methods as Bacillus thuringiensis (entomopathogenic bacteria commonly used against that pest) and pheromone traps.
This new method is economically and technically affordable for all users (professionals and individuals), without pest resistance and allowing a sustainable regulation of box tree moth populations in parks and gardens.
Authors
E. Tabone, M. Capelli, E. Morel, M. De Bodard, E. Colombel, M. Guerin, J.M. Deogratias
Keywords
biological control, Buxus sempervirens, Chrysoperla lucasina, Cydalima perspectalis, predators
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