2011
Biological control of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivetis) in soybean using parasitic wasp Pediobius foveolatus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Biotic stressCrop protectionField management Pest
Lead Principal Investigator:
George Robbins, New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Co-Principal Investigators:
Wayne Hudson, Iowa State University
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:

In past years, field releases of surplus adult parasites were made to keep additional pressure on the Mexican bean beetle (MBB) population. Direct field releases are made into soybean, snap bean and lima bean fields throughout Central and Southern New Jersey wherever MBB are observed. In 2008, there were 46 direct field releases totaling 262,000 parasites. The purpose of the field releases is threefold:

~ To suppress the MBB in areas where it could potentially reach damaging levels.

~ To reduce the over wintering MBB population.
and

~ To utilize surplus P. foveolatus laboratory stocks.

Using P. foveolatus as a biocontrol agent has resulted in substantial savings...

Unique Keywords:
#insects and pests
Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Final Project Results

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.