Cold Storage Optimization for Parasitoid Mass Production: A Telenomus remus Case Study

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda , poses a significant threat to global food security, causing substantial damage to maize, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane across 353 plant species. While Telenomus remus shows promise as an egg parasitoid for biological control due to its high fecundity and ability to parasitize multilayered egg masses, its short shelf life limits practical application in mass production systems. This case study explores how researchers developed cold storage protocols to stabilize production and supply of this important biological control agent. Through systematic testing of viable and UV-treated S . frugiperda eggs stored at 4°C, 7°C, and 10°C for varying durations and evaluation of parasitized eggs at different developmental stages under similar storage temperature conditions, the study demonstrates that viable S . frugiperda eggs remained suitable hosts after 7 days of storage at 4°C and 7°C, while parasitized eggs at 7 days post-parasitism could be stored at 10°C for up to 14 days without significant viability loss. These findings provide a foundation for large-scale production systems that can supply parasitoids to regions severely affected by fall armyworm infestations. Information © The Authors 2026