BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: TETRASTICHUS CULTURE

Tetrastichus howardi is parasitic non stinging wasp that are endoparasitoids of insect pupae. Tetrastichus is a genus of hymenopteran insects of the family Eulophidae. Tetrastichus is Pupal parasitoid, it works against Sugarcane Borers Ex- Top Borer, Shoot Borer, Stem Borer, Root Borer etc. Points to remember before Starting tetrastichus culture- Maintain the temperature 24-26 ˚c throughout the year in culture room. Maintain your culture room free from any kind of contamination. Material and apparatus required for tetrastichus culture- Pupa of Silkworm as host of tetrastichus Plastic Containers & Plastic small boxes Tetra packs/ Polythene packs Ethenol Cotton Honey Vitamin E tablets Procedure- Pick out the pupa from cocoons gently Put one pupa in each plastic container Put 15-20 tetrastichus adults in each box & capped it Leave it for 24 hours for egg laying ...