Biological Control of Insect Pests Using Egg Parasitoids

435 Pages·2013·5.17 MB·English

by  S. Sithanantham

S. Sithanantham
Chandish R. Ballal
S.K. Jalali
N. Bakthavatsalam
Editors
Biological
Control of Insect
Pests Using
Egg Parasitoids
Biological Control of Insect Pests Using
Egg Parasitoids

S. Sithanantham (cid:129) Chandish R. Ballal

S.K. Jalali (cid:129) N. Bakthavatsalam
Editors
Biological Control of Insect
Pests Using Egg Parasitoids
Editors
S. Sithanantham Chandish R. Ballal
Entomology National Bureau of Agriculturally
Sun Agro Biotech Research Centre Important Insects
Madanandapuram, Chennai Agricultural Entomology
Tamil Nadu , India Bangalore, Karnataka , India
S.K. Jalali N. Bakthavatsalam
National Bureau of Agriculturally National Bureau of Agriculturally
Important Insects Important Insects
Agricultural Entomology Agricultural Entomology
Bangalore, Karnataka , India Bangalore, Karnataka , India
ISBN 978-81-322-1180-8 ISBN 978-81-322-1181-5 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-81-322-1181-5
Springer New Delhi Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013945075
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Dedication

Dr. A.V. Navarajan Paul , formerly Principal
Scientist and National Fellow (Entomology),
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
Delhi, was one of our most distinguished
biocontrol entomologists. He was born on 26
April 1950 at Burnside Estate near Kotagiri,
Tamil Nadu. His childhood was spent in
Tirunelveli town where he was a meritorious
student and a fi rst rank holder. He completed
his graduation in Agriculture from the
Agricultural College, Madurai, and his
postgraduation from Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
In 1976, he appeared for the Agricultural
Research Service Examination and stood
second at the All India level and was posted
at the Division of Entomology, IARI, New
Delhi. He completed his Ph.D. while working
there. He was selected as an ICAR National
Fellow for his contributions in the fi eld of
biological pest control. Dr. Paul was an
exemplary scientist and an educationist.
He was a God-fearing person with a heart
for people. He believed in giving quality
education to children and worked incessantly
for this cause. He had many research
achievements to his credit in the fi eld of
biological control, had guided several M.Sc.
and Ph.D. students on topics related to
biological control and had more than 200
research publications in journals of
international repute. He also served as
editorial board member of the Society for
Biocontrol Advancement for more than a
decade. The major target group in his
biocontrol R&D work was egg parasitoids.
His research thrusts towards his vision for
improving the application of augmentative
biocontrol using Trichogramma species
included more effi cient and cost-effective
mass production with concern for product
quality and to enhance the impact of their
release in target crop systems through
improved understanding of the chemical
ecology and intraspecies diversity.
The proposal for compiling this book on
Biological Control of Insect Pests Using Egg
Parasitoids was developed initially by
Dr. Paul, and he contributed signifi cantly
during the initial stages of this venture.
However, after some initial drafts were
received, Dr. Paul took ill and later passed
away on 3 December 2007 at the age of
57 years. This is our earnest attempt to
complete the initiative started a few years
back by Dr. Paul. We dedicate this book in
memory of and dedication to Dr. Navarajan
Paul’s valuable contributions to biological
control research, especially on egg
parasitoids, in India. We hope that this book
would benefi t students, researchers and
extension workers in the fi eld of entomology.
S. Sithanantham
Chandish R. Ballal
S.K. Jalali
N. Bakthavatsalam
NATIONAL BUREAU OF
AGRICULTURALLY IMPORTANT INSECTS
(erstwhile Project Directorate of Biological Control)
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
P. B. No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bellary Road
Bangalore 560024, Karnataka, India
Phone: [phone];

Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Foreword
Biological control of insect pests is emerging as an important component of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) globally, with the realisation of environmental
and human hazards associated with the use of chemical pesticides. Currently,
Indian agriculture is transforming into a more businesslike approach, thanks to
the Indian Government’s support to eco-friendly pest control techniques as key
thrusts in promoting export horticulture and organic farming.
E gg parasitoids are a special group amongst insect natural enemies, due to the
advantage they confer in avoiding the damage by the larval stages of pests to crops,
especially where cosmetic damage by caterpillars can affect the market quality, as
in the case of fruit borers and defoliators. Trichogrammatid egg parasitoids are the
most widely mass-produced biocontrol agents, both globally and in India. Research
on Trichogramma in India was initiated during the 1930s in Mandya area (Karnataka)
for mass production and release against sugarcane borers. Biosystematic foundations
laid by Late Dr. H. Nagaraja and Sudha Nagarkatti provided a basis for improved
identifi cation of the native species in India. Most other experts associated with egg
parasitoids research in India have also authored the different chapters in this book.
Presently, this group of natural enemies is an important target for public- private
R&D partnerships in India. It is highly appropriate that the research progress made
mainly in India on egg parasitoids, especially Trichogrammatids, is comprehensively
reviewed, with a view to focus on future thrusts.
A special mention is due to the four editors of this book – S . Sithanantham ,
Chandish R. Ballal , S .K. Jalali and N. Bakthavatsalam – who are well-known
scientists with long experience and wide knowledge in biocontrol research, particularly
egg parasitoids, in India and elsewhere. They have effectively organised the book
into different chapters and ensured to get them written by relevant experts. It is also
gratifying that the majority of the authors of chapters besides the three editors are
from NBAII (formerly PDBC ) ( ICAR) , Bangalore, which is the national lead centre
for biocontrol R&D.
This book is being dedicated to the memory of late D r. A.V. Navarajan Paul
(former National Fellow, Division of Entomology, IARI, New Delhi), who had made
outstanding contributions to research and development aspects of egg parasitoids
vii
viii Foreword
with special emphasis on Trichogramma. His great vision and keen interest to
compile this document are highly laudable.
It is hoped that this book B iological Control of Insect Pests Using Egg Parasitoids
will serve as a valuable reference source for researchers, research students and
research managers besides professionals involved in relevant private sector R&D
and organic farming experts/practitioners/trainers.
Director, NBAII and President
Society for Biocontrol Advancement
B.S. Bhumannavar
Preface
Globally there is increasing awareness and frequent debate in the recent decades on
policy options and operational strategies towards ensuring a fair balance between
productivity and sustainability in agro-enterprises. No doubt, we owe a great deal to
Ms. Rachel Carson for her famous book – S ilent Spring – which pointed out the
hazards caused due to indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides and the urgent
need for ensuring harmony between utilising new scientifi c knowledge on insect-
suppressing molecules versus the wisdom of restricting their use to ensure eco-
logical safety and so protect the native benefi cial agro-biodiversity. Currently, the
developing world is caught up in the dilemma of maximising agricultural produc-
tion to feed the millions versus ensuring that the higher crop productivity initiatives
do not shake the foundations of sustainable farming ecosystems. It is in this context
that conservation and augmentation of biological control agents gain greater atten-
tion and emphasis due to their potential as more eco-friendly and highly consumer-
safe pest management intervention strategies. Amongst the major entomophagous
natural enemies, especially of Lepidopteran pests, egg parasitoids can play a special
role in preventive control by suppressing the pest before it reaches the destructive
(larval) stage.
This book seeks to capture the R&D efforts undertaken on egg parasitoids during
the last century in the tropics, mainly in Asia. Different aspects of documentation
and utilisation of Trichogrammatids, which are apparently the most widely used
biocontrol agent at global level, are covered in most chapters, while one chapter is
exclusively devoted to cover the other families of egg parasitoids. It is our sincere
hope that this book is able to cater to the research knowledge and methodology
information needs of young scientists and upcoming research students interested in
R&D on egg parasitoids. The authors of the individual chapters deserve our sincere
appreciations, not only for their sustained interest but also for their keen sense of
contribution and their patience in updating their chapters. This book has indeed
gone through several stages/steps with signifi cant editorial advice from several
dynamic research colleagues. It gives us a great sense of satisfaction and fulfi lment
to have been able to avail our long and diverse research experiences and contacts
in compiling the chapters and in coediting this book. We are also grateful for the
ix