Abstract:

Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) ( Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an important insect natural enemy for controlling Apriona swainsoni (Hope) ( Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Adults and eggs of D. helophoroides were released in laboratory and semi-field condition to control A. swainsoni in Tai’an and Liaocheng of Shandong Province, and the optimum efficiency was up to 80% and 86.67%, respectively. Before releasing the natural enemy and after releasing it, the populations of A. swainsoni larvae per tree were investigated. Based on the investigation, the optimal controlling effect was as follows: After released just adults, or eggs, or a mixture of them outdoor, the reducing rate of the population of A. swainsoni larvae per tree was at 72.2%, 71.6%, 82.64%, respectively. However, the reducing rate have had no significant difference among the three treatments. Results showed that releasing adults and eggs of D. helophoroides in field could be an efficient measure for controlling A. swainsoni.

Key words: Apriona swainsoni, Dastarcus helophoroides, parasite natural enemy insect, biological control