Assessment of Australian Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as control agents of stored product moths

Trichogramma species (T. brassicae, T. pretiosum and T. carverae) were assessed for their suitability as bio-control agents against Ephestia cautella and E. kuehniella which are important pests in food manufacturing and processing facilities in Australia. Parameters examined were longevity, fecundity on eggs of E. kuehniella, walking speed of adult wasps, reaction to moth scales, and host acceptance and host suitability of eggs of E. cautella and E. kuehniella. T. pretiosum and T. carverae performed better than T. brassicae in all traits examined apart from fecundity. T. pretiosum and T. carverae differ mainly in higher fecundity and host acceptance in T. pretiosum, and a better host-finding ability (walking speed, reaction to moth scales) in T. carverae. The suitability of the Trichogramma species for use as control agents is discussed with respect to these results.