Anastatus against brown marmorated stink bug

Good feedback from an area within the Modena province for the first introductions of Anastatus bifasciatus. The Italfrutta cooperative carried out a first test in 2021 with small yet significant results.

“The test involved three companies, two specializing in pears and one in pears and stone fruit. We introduced Anastatus twice, in mid and late June for the businesses dealing with pears and earlier for that dealing with stone fruit. Insects were introduced at the edges, near a canal, in some woodland not far from the orchards. The purpose was to inoculate the antagonist insect and verify its effectiveness in this environment,” reports Sara Bellelli, Ital-frutta technician.

Anastatus launches in an archive photo

Analyses were carried out in September 2021 in collaboration with Bioplanet, revealing a parasitization of bug eggs between 20 and 30%, with an average of 25%.

“It is an encouraging result, as it was only a test year. It takes time for an antagonist insect to reach a balance with the harmful insect. In addition, we must add that there is not a lot of biodiversity in our territory, so the data is even more encouraging. We are considering not only to repeat the launches, but also to increase the businesses involved already in 2022.”

Anastatus bifasciatus as a native species, versatile and available in large quantities, remains an excellent option to intensify and accelerate the natural rebalancing process. In light of what could not be done with chemical treatments, also due to the lack of authorized molecules, biological control remain the most effective measure with the best cost/benefit ratio in cases of introductions of exotic parasites to a new area.

Publication date: Tue 22 Feb 2022