The parasitoid complex of the pine shoot moth: past, present and probable future scenario

Abstract

The classical biological control, or the introduction and release of different exotic biocontrol agents to control introduced insect pests, is one of the most currently used methods for decreasing insect pest populations. In Chile the use of these methods for “the European pine shoot moth”, Rhyacionia buoliana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was a pioneer decision that supposed the accomplishment of forest management and the implementation of research that permitted the generation of action plans. Today, twenty years after the introduction of Orgilus obscurator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as the main parasitoid for control of this pest, the current situation is more complex than expected, with the presence of other native parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. In this work the evolution of the pine shoot moth control in Chile since the detection of the pest in 1985, the beginning of the biological control exerted by O. obscurator, and the present and probable future of this control, will be analyzed.