Biological Variables Related To The Mass Production Of Trichopria Drosophilae(1), The Main Parasitoid Of Drosophila Suzukii(2)

Rearing of the parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Perkins) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) was implemented in 2015 in Mexico. Since then, the parasitoid and its host D. suzukii have been reared using a mass-rearing approach. The equipment and facilities utilize household instruments, and the parasitoid and its host are reared on fresh banana fruit, and neither agar nor preservatives are used. Five biological variables related to optimal management of both parasitoid and its host were evaluated. Optimal relationship was found between each evaluated variable (age of pupae, pupae density, sex ratio of parasitoids, size of containers used to parasitize, and duration of parasitization) and parasitoid production. Implementation of the optimal management practices allowed an increase of 16% in the percentage of parasitism.