Ecosystem services provide essential benefits to humans, derived from healthy ecosystems, and have become a key focus in biodiversity and sustainability policies. One prominent method of biological pest control involves the use of parasitoid insects (Hymenoptera), which can be harnessed both through the release of mass-reared agents (augmentative biocontrol) and the preservation of natural resources (conservation biocontrol, which is based on ecosystem services). All biocontrol approaches require thorough evaluation of their effectiveness. This includes assessing their impact on pest populations, as well as economic outcome. In this presentation, I will share my experience in applying and evaluating biocontrol efficacy and the broader impact of ecosystem services through parasitoids. The studies I'll discuss include the release and effectiveness of Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) against the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) on organic maize, as well as the role of parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) in controlling the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) on organic soybean. In general, calculating biocontrol efficacy and the economic value of ecosystem services may provide a socio-political context for biodiversity studies.
As usual, we will also broadcast via zoom for those who can not join in person: https://zoom.us/j/94510498226
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