title: Development of a New Container for Storage and Release of the Parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).
abstract: In Brazil, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) has been used as a biological control agent against Diatraea saccharalis (F.) since 1976, because of its effectiveness in reducing populations of this pest. Three million plastic cups are used annually to release C. flavipes, which remain in the environment. This study aimed to develop fully biodegradable packaging, so that releases occur without damaging the environment. The biological characteristics of C. flavipes were studied for five generations in the packaging developed (biodegradable boxes) and in the packaging currently used (non-biodegradable plastic cups and biodegradable cups), as were the costs. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using completely biodegradable and inexpensive packaging for the rearing, transport, and release of adult C. flavipes in the field.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Insect Rearing, Department of Plant Protection, Sao Paulo State University FCAV/Unesp, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane n/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rafael F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Dos Santos
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Insect Rearing, Department of Plant Protection, Sao Paulo State University FCAV/Unesp, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane n/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. amvacari@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alessandra M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Vacari
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Insect Rearing, Department of Plant Protection, Sao Paulo State University FCAV/Unesp, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane n/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sergio A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: De Bortoli
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Insect Rearing, Department of Plant Protection, Sao Paulo State University FCAV/Unesp, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane n/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Caroline P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: De Bortoli
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Entomology, Sao Martinho Mill, Fazenda São Martinho n/n, 14850-000 Pradópolis, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Josy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology; D009036:Moths / Q000254:growth & development / Q000469:parasitology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D014863:Wasps / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: biological control; insect biology; mass-rearing