The egg parasitoids Trichogramma: from laboratory mass rearing to biological control of lepidopteran pests.

Trichogramma egg parasitoids are successfully used for biological control of a wide range of lepidopteran pests worldwide. However, the field success depends upon their performance that could be influenced by the conditions of laboratory mass rearing. Hence, reviewing all scientific information on the most suitable mass rearing techniques of Trichogramma parasitoids is of utmost importance to those seeking successful biological pest control action. Trichogramma mass production techniques, mainly using alternative hosts, and characteristics of artificial diet(s) are explored herein. Scientific and technical information on (i) how diet could influence Trichogramma adult reproductive behaviour, (ii) the effect of continuous rearing on the egg parasitoid genetic diversity, (iii) Trichogramma preferences to host eggs and impact of host quality on the wasp performance, and (iv) effect of storage methods and abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity and photoperiod) on the fitness of reared Trichogramma parasitoid are emphasised in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]