Integration of Trichogramma ostriniaereleases and habitat modification forsuppression of European corn borer(Ostrinia nubilalis Hu¨ bner) in bell peppers

A two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Trichogramma ostriniae Pang et Chen (T.o.) releasesin combination with habitat modification, to enhance biological control of European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalisHu¨bner, the key pest of bell peppers in Kentucky. A randomized block design with a split-plot treatment arrangement wasused in both years. Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculetum Moench, was inter-planted as a nectar source for the wasps and as anattractant for ECB natural enemies. Sentinel ECB egg masses were placed in each subplot to monitor establishment anddispersal of T. ostriniae within and between plots. Fruit were harvested at maturity, graded according to USDA standards,inspected for insect damage, and dissected to confirm ECB presence when evidence of entry was suspected, to determinepercentage of infested fruits. Percent ECB infested fruit was reduced in plots with wasp releases and in plots with buckwheatinter-planted. The interaction of habitat modification and wasp releases significantly reduced pepper damage as a result ofthe synergy between tactics. Percentage of T. ostriniae parasitized sentinel eggs was significantly higher in wasp releaseplots compared to non-release plots. T. ostriniae releases used in conjunction with habitat modification for ECB control inbell peppers appears to be a promising alternative to traditional insecticide-based strategies for small-acreage and organicfarms. This study displays an example system utilizing conservation biological control at a landscape level for pestsuppression