Scientific Approaches for Mass Production, Cold Storage and Release of Trichogramma: Their Role in Insect Pest Management

The use of Trichogramma as a tool in the scientific management of pest insects emerges as a vital element to promote sustainability in agriculture. Having suitable storage methods for parasitoids is a valuable asset within biological control programs. The quality of Trichogramma is affected by cold storage with an acclimation period. Prepupae were subjected to storage for 50, 75, and 100 days at 5°C, preceded by acclimation periods of 10 or 20 days at 12°C. The research revealed the potential to halt the development of Trichogramma. Treatments with a 10-day acclimation period resulted in emergence values below 10%, rendering them unsuitable for establishing a cold storage protocol. In contrast, a 20-day acclimation period benefitted cold storage tolerance for the 50- and 75-day storage periods. The storage of Trichogramma, using a 20-day acclimation period and up to 50 days under cold temperatures, did not adversely affect adult emergence, emergence time, sex ratio, parasitism, or progeny quality.

A Comprehensive Review on Seasonal Incidence of Fall Army Worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Their Management

The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, represents a formidable challenge to global agriculture due to its rapid spread and significant impact on crop yields. This comprehensive review focuses on providing an in-depth exploration of FAW's biology, its seasonal dynamics, and the multifaceted strategies employed for its management. Leveraging datasets from multiple geographical regions, we examined the patterns of FAW infestations and their correlation with various climatic and environmental factors. The research emphasized the criticality of predictive modeling tools in forecasting pest incidence and highlighted the potential of machine learning and big data analytics in enhancing the accuracy of these predictive tools. Innovative management solutions, spanning from genetic interventions to the application of nanotechnology, were also discussed, underlining their potential in mitigating FAW damage. Central to our findings was the recurrent theme of international collaboration; the need for globally coordinated efforts in research, monitoring, and the sharing of resources emerged as a pivotal component in the fight against this pest. By incorporating diverse perspectives, including field insights from farmers and advancements in modern technology, this review aims to provide a holistic overview of the present scenario and proffers strategies for future action against the FAW threat.