Parasitoid of navel orangeworm


NOMENCLATURE: Approved name: Pentalitomastix plethorica Caltagirone. Other names: Navel orangeworm parasitoid.

SOURCE: Pentalitomastix plethorica is native to Mexico.

PRODUCTION: Bred under controlled conditions on navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella (Walker)).

TARGET :PESTS: Navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella).

TARGET :CROPS: Orchard nut crops (walnuts, almonds, pistachios).

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY: Biology: The parasitoid lays eggs in the egg of the navel orangeworm. It is polyembryonic and develops up to 1 250 offspring from one navel orangeworm mummy. Duration of development: At 27 °C (80 °F), it takes 45 days from egg lay until adult emergence.

COMMERCIALISATION: Formulation: Pentalitomastix plethorica is sold by mummy case, 750 to 1 250 wasps per mummy case. Tradenames: ' Pentalitomastix plethorica' (Arbico), (Rincon-Vitova) and (Praxis).

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND NON-TARGET TOXICITY: Pentalitomastix plethorica is not expected to have any adverse effects on non-target organisms or on the environment. Its prey is the navel orange worm and it is a native of Mexico. It does not survive temperate winters.

_________________
_________________
___
___
Source: Copping LG [ed.], 2004. The Manual of Biocontrol Agents. Alton, UK: BCPC.