Biological control potential of Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) based on age-stage two-sex life table, functional response and mutual interference

Abstract

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is a significant pest affecting potato crops globally, Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) is an efficient egg parasitoid with potential for biological control against various lepidopteran pests. We found and identified the Trichogramma chilonis from the parasitized eggs of PTM in the field, but the parasitism and the control potential of Trichogramma chilonis on PTM is unclear. The potential of Trichogramma chilonis to control PTM was evaluated based on the linking age-stage two-sex life table, functional response and intraspecific mutual interference effects.