IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE LA REPRODUCCIÓN MASIVA DEL PARASITOIDE CRISÁLIDAL TETRASTICHUS HOWARDI (OLLIFF, 1893) EN UN LABORATORIO DE LA PROVINCIA GUAYAS, ECUADOR.

Abstract

The hyperparasitoide Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff, 1893) (Hymenoptera; Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) is one of the most recognized entomophagous insects for pest control amongst a variety of insect species (Prasad et al., 2007), primarily borers (Baitha, 2004). The Diatraea saccaralis is one of the most impacting borers in the agricultural world being responsible for thousands of dollars of lost goods (Sidhu, 2013). The D. saccaralis although mainly a consumer of sugar cane, has been recognized as a pest in rice crops in Ecuador. For Ecuador, rice cultivation is extremely important, promising a projected area of 350,000 hectares per year (INEC, 2013). During the months of June, July and August 2013 in the laboratory SBAM (Biological Environmental Solutions), the mass production of T. howardi was practiced as an example for a laboratory dedicated to its commercial production. The evolution of the production of T.howardi can be seen beginning with the installation of the productive system until the stabilization of the production, all of which was completed throughout 5 cycles. Finally, recommendations are given about the field application, the dosage, and the follow up to the monitoring for an effective biological control.