The eucalyptus bedbug (Thaumastocoris peregrinus) is an Australian-based insect that feeds on different eucalyptus species. Due to the absence of natural enemies in several South American countries, it has become an invasive alien species. Therefore, researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Microbiology and Zoology (IMYZA), from the Experimental Stations of Concordia – Entre Ríos–, Montecarlo -Misiones– and Senasa are working on the development of joint actions for pest control in the region.

In this sense, the IMYZA Research Insectario for Biological Lucha (IILB) imported specimens from Uruguay of Cleruchoides noackae, a specific parasitoid of eucalyptus insect eggs. After the quarantine process, this biocontroller was created and released in small inoculars in different experimental locations in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos and Corrientes. Subsequently, its establishment, the levels of parasitism achieved in the field were evaluated and a reproduction and release protocol was designed.

"The protocol is a low-impact environmental tool for pest management," said Andrea Andorno, a researcher at IMYZA, explaining: "Like many other forest pests, the global trend is based on the implementation of Classical Biological Control. The parasitoid C. noackae is being used as a biological control agent of eucalyptus bedbugs in countries such as South Africa, Brazil and Uruguay, among others."

The development of IILB was recently distinguished with the certificate of "Argentine Bioproduct" in the research category. This certificate is granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Nation, after evaluation with the assent of the Advisory Commission on Biomaterials for Agricultural Use (CABUA), composed of experts from the academic and productive sectors and governments throughout the country.

Source: Agrolink