Improving the Efficiency and Safety of Sentinel Stink Bug Eggs Using X-rays.

ABSTRACT: Sentinel eggs used to monitor field parasitism of stink bug pests (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) can only be deployed for a few days to avoid releasing the pest in the monitored area. Using sterile eggs removes the risk of accidental pest introduction and extends deployment time. Freezing the eggs before deployment is one common method of sterilizing sentinel eggs. However, some egg parasitoid species have low or no parasitism on frozen eggs. In this study, X-ray irradiation was used to sterilize Bagrada hilaris sentinel eggs intended for monitoring parasitism by Gryon aetherium (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the most promising biological control candidate. In this case, freezing sentinel eggs is not recommended because G. aetherium has low levels of parasitism on frozen eggs.

SUBMITTER: Hougardy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11508251 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature