A new biocontrol agent against old enemies: The potential of Trichogramma foersteri for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera eridania

Species of the genus Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are widely used for pest control, highlighting the importance of exploring new species for the advancement of biological control programs. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Trichogramma foersteri Takahashi, a recently discovered species, in controlling Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) and S. eridania (Stoll), two significant pests of numerous cash crops. Over three days, the research examined parasitism, non-reproductive mortality, and emergence rates for both pest species. Trichogramma foersteri demonstrated effective parasitism, reducing 144.1 ± 6.0 eggs (one layer) and 55.4 ± 4.0 eggs (two layers) of S. frugiperda, as well as controlling 150.7 ± 5.6 eggs of S. eridania. Non-reproductive effects contributed significantly to mortality, causing the demise of 192.6 ± 4.7 and 118.6 ± 3.8 eggs in one and two layers of S. frugiperda, and 294.7 ± 7.0 eggs in S. eridania. Within three days, T. foersteri controlled approximately 334.2 ± 7.6 and 174.0 ± 4.0 eggs of S. frugiperda in one and two layers, respectively, and 445.4 ± 7.2 eggs of S. eridania. The highest emergence of T. foersteri occurred on the first day of evaluation, with 80.4 % for S. frugiperda and 23.0 % for S. eridania. These findings underscore the potential of T. foersteri as an effective control agent for both pests and provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable pest control strategies.