Abstract Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of key economic crops worldwide. Heavy reliance on chemical control has led to growing issues of insecticide resistance and environmental problems. To explore sustainable alternatives, this study systematically evaluated the parasitism performance and developmental suitability of 5 native Chinese Trichogramma species/strains (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)—T. dendrolimi Matsumura (with 2 geographical strains from Jilin and Guizhou Province), T. chilonis Ishii, T. ostriniae Pang 90%) and a high proportion of female offspring (≥79%), with T. ostriniae having the highest female ratio. The developmental duration (9.2 to 9.9 days) was similar across species. In summary, 2 geographical strains T. dendrolimi stands out as the most promising and dominant candidate for biological control of H. armigera.
Ran et al. (Thu,) studied this question.