Assessment of two commercially reared biological control agents for the control of the invasive Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Biological control is a component of an IPM program that, when used in rotation with cultural, physical, mechanical, and monitoring strategies, can help reduce insecticide use in the environment. Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), known as the box tree moth, is a significant invasive pest of boxwood plants that was first detected in the U.S in July 2021, in Niagara County, New York. Currently, very few insecticides are labeled specifically for C. perspectalis control, thus requiring alternative methods of controlling this invasive pest. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of two commercially reared biological control agents in the US, specifically Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammidae) and Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Laboratory assays using T. pretiosum under quarantine conditions recorded the number of C. perspectalis eggs parasitized. Furthermore, C. rufilabris assays examined the predatory capability on both eggs and larvae of C. perspectalis. Based on previous research on T. pretiosum parasitizing other Crambidae species, we observed some levels of parasitism on C. perspectalis eggs. Similarly, research on other commercially reared green lacewings has shown they will feed on C. perspectalis as a food source. We investigated the capabilities of both commercially reared biological agents, available in the U.S, as an addition to the IPM program for C. perspectalis in both nurseries and urban landscapes.