Aula 7 - Método de Controle - Biológico

Summary

This video focuses on the role of parasitoids in biological pest control, particularly in agriculture. It highlights various parasitoid species such as *Braconidae*, *Encarsia formosa*, *Trichogramma*, and *Cotesia flavipes*, each targeting different pests like aphids, whiteflies, and sugarcane borers. The script discusses their life cycle, how they parasitize their hosts, and the commercial production and release of these parasitoids for pest management. The video emphasizes the effectiveness and specificity of parasitoids, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides in integrated pest management programs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parasitoids are tiny wasps that lay their eggs inside a host, with sizes ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm.
• 😀 Unlike predators, parasitoids are more specific to the species they target and are used extensively in agriculture for pest control.
• 😀 Braconidae family parasitoids target aphids, laying their eggs inside aphids, causing them to become mummified.
• 😀 Encarsia Formosa parasitoids parasitize whitefly nymphs, turning them dark brown or black once parasitized.
• 😀 Trichogramma species, like Trichogramma brassicae and Trichogramma galloi, parasitize eggs of various pests, including caterpillars and tomato borers.
• 😀 Large-scale production and release of Trichogramma species are common in Brazilian agricultural fields to manage pest populations.
• 😀 Cotesia flavipes is used to control sugarcane borers, parasitizing the larvae and contributing to pest control without harming crops.
• 😀 Other parasitoid species, like Opius, target pests such as stink bugs and are commercially available for specific agricultural uses.
• 😀 Parasitoid-based biological control is an effective and sustainable method for managing pests in crops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
• 😀 Parasitoids play a vital role in integrated pest management (IPM), providing natural control solutions alongside other methods like predators and organic treatments.

Q & A

What are parasitoids and how do they differ from predators?

Parasitoids are organisms that parasitize other organisms, typically by laying their eggs inside or on the host, where their larvae develop and eventually kill the host. Unlike predators, which directly capture and consume their prey, parasitoids are more specific and often target a single host species.

What is the typical size range of parasitoids used in agriculture?

Parasitoids commonly used in agriculture are small, ranging from 0.5 to 2 millimeters in size.

How do parasitoids deposit their eggs in their host?

Parasitoids deposit their eggs inside or on various stages of their host's lifecycle, such as the egg, larva, pupa, or even the adult form.

What is the role of Braconidae parasitoids in controlling pest populations?

Braconidae parasitoids, particularly those targeting aphids, play a crucial role in pest control by parasitizing aphids in various developmental stages, which helps reduce aphid populations in crops.

What is the significance of mumified aphids in the field?

Mumified aphids are the result of parasitization by parasitoids. These aphids appear yellowed, hardened, and resemble a protective shell, indicating the parasitoid larvae have consumed the aphid from within.

How does the parasitoid Encarsia formosa control whitefly populations?

Encarsia formosa parasitizes whitefly nymphs, injecting its eggs into them. The larvae feed on the nymphs internally, causing them to darken and eventually die, which helps reduce whitefly infestations.

What are Trichogramma species and how do they function as parasitoids?

Trichogramma species, such as Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma galloi, parasitize the eggs of pests like moths and caterpillars. Their larvae hatch and consume the egg contents, preventing the hatching of the pest species.

What is the primary use of Trichogramma pretiosum in Brazilian agriculture?

Trichogramma pretiosum is used to control pests like Spodoptera and Helicoverpa larvae, especially in crops such as soybeans and tomatoes in Brazil.

Why is the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes important in sugarcane cultivation?

Cotesia flavipes is a key parasitoid used in the biological control of sugarcane borer larvae (Diatraea saccharalis). It helps control these pests by parasitizing their larvae, thus reducing damage to sugarcane crops.

What are the benefits of using parasitoids in agriculture over traditional pest control methods?

Using parasitoids for pest control provides a natural, sustainable solution by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. They target specific pests without harming beneficial insects or the environment, making them an eco-friendly option for pest management.