Species of Trichogramma spp. collected from different agricultural crops in the Republic of Moldova [Articol]

Abstract

Between 2022-2024, 38 exposures with small cards containing Sitotroga cerealella eggs were conducted to collect Trichogramma from the wild. The identified species were T. embryophagum, T. pintoi, T. evanescens, T. dendrolimi, and T. leucania. The parasitism percentage of moth eggs exposed in the field depended on weather conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). The highest parasitism rates were observed in irrigated tomato crops, while extreme heat and low humidity negatively affected Trichogramma populations. Due to the naturally low parasitism rates, additional field releases of Trichogramma are necessary for effective biological protection of crops. The use of entomophages has several advantages, including reduced financial costs for crop protection, conservation of beneficial organisms, increased biological efficiency in the field, improved agricultural production, better food quality, and minimal reliance on chemical treatments, reducing environmental pollution.