0851996884.pdf

E. formosaand is expected to be included in
the standard testing procedure in the near
future. This short-range flight test has
already provided important additional infor-
mation for the quality control measurements
discussed above. Two examples are given
here, one concerning storage of parasitoids
and the other about the effect of temperature
on the flight capacity of parasitoids. Storage
of parasitoids at a low temperature (8°C) for
2 and 16 days, respectively, gives similar per-
centages of emergence, but the ability to fly
is much lower for the parasitoids that were
stored for 16 days (Fig. 19.3). The test also
clearly demonstrates the effect of tempera-
ture on ability to fly: while many parasitoids
reach the top of the cylinder at 25°C, very
few do so at 18 and 15oC (Fig. 19.4).
A short-range flight test based on the one
used for E. formosahas been developed for

Trichogrammaby Dutton and Bigler (1995)

and is discussed by Prezotti and Parra

(2002). Flight tests need further improve-

ment for easy and reliable use.

Another point to be considered for future

work is the strong wish of farmers in some

countries to be able to test the quality of nat-

ural enemies after transport and before

release in the field or greenhouse. Luczynski

and Caddick (see Chapter 14; Luczynski and

Caddick, 2000) used elements of the quality

control guidelines developed for Phytoseiulus

andEncarsiato compare the quality of differ-

ent products when arriving at the green-

house, just before release. Testing helped in

this case to improve products, and results

from this project increased growers’ confi-

dence in the use of biological control and

increased their demand for better quality

assurance of supplied products.

Quality Control Guidelines for Biocontrol Agents 271

100

80

60

40

20

0

% Parasitoids trapped

216

Days stored at 8°C

Fig. 19.3.Percentage Encarsia formosafemales capable of flying (= percentage of parasitoids trapped in
glue of glass plate) when stored for 2 and 16 days at 8°C.