Development of an automated system for mass production of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) eggs and the eggs parasitoids Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879

• Grant number: 15/22671-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Aloisio Coelho Junior
• Grantee: Aloisio Coelho Junior
• Company: Ibi Agentes Biológicos Ltda
• City: Araras
• Associated research grant(s): 17/04770-6 - Development of an automated system for mass production of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) eggs and the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/12579-1 - Development of an automated system for mass production of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) eggs and the eggs parasitoids Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Biological control is an alternative method for pest control, that's use natural enimies and/or entomopathogen; this control method has been developed of vertiginous way in the modern world because it is less aggressive to environment and man, due it has no negative effects of pesticides. In Brazil nowadays this method of control is a reality, large areas are being "treated" with biological control agents, but, given the proportions of agriculture practiced in Brazil, these areas represent less than 1% of the cultivated area in Brazil. This proposal aiming to automate and cheapen methods of rearing Anagasta kuehniella, an factitious host used in mass rearing of natural enemy's insects, especially egg parasitoids of the Trichogramma genus and predators such as spider mites, heteropteras and lacewings. For such automation, trays studies are proposed to maximize production and minimize the space and hand labor, as well as, a method of adult's collection on a larger scale. To cheapen the factitious host production, will be tested the replacement of protein source in the rearing diet. The proposal also addresses a method of rearing Trichogramma pretiosum and T. galloi, egg parasitoids already used in large scale in Brazil, respecting intraspecific characteristics of the parasitoids in relation to climatic requirements. It proposes rearing parasitoids strains from five different agroecosystems; wherein the method of packaging and releasing insects for use by the farmer will also be automated. (AU)