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Using gyroplane for application of Trichogramma spp. against the European corn borer in maize
Author(s) -
BzowskaBakalarz Małgorzata,
Bulak Piotr,
Bereś Paweł K.,
Czarnigowska Agata,
Czarnigowski Jacek,
Karamon Bartłomiej,
Pniak Michał,
Bieganowski Andrzej
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5762
Subject(s) - european corn borer , trichogramma , ostrinia , biopesticide , monoculture , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , toxicology , agriculture , biological pest control , agronomy , pesticide , horticulture , pest analysis , ecology , parasitoid , pyralidae
BACKGROUND Achieving sustainability of agricultural production is one of the key challenges for humanity. Minimizing the use of chemicals and replacing them with biological plant protection is, firstly, fully in line with the agriculture's development strategy and, secondly, confirmed to be achievable in practice. For instance, many researchers point to the potential of using Trichogramma spp. to control Ostrinia nubilalis in maize. However, the application methods for preparations containing Trichogramma spp. are still at the stage of development. So far, ground application proved time and energy consuming. Aerial application using ultralight aircraft is a new option. RESULTS The present study presents the results of tests on the effectiveness of applying Trichogramma spp. from the board of an ultralight gyroplane. A 6‐year experiment was conducted on a maize monoculture located in south‐western Poland. The results indicate that the low‐height aerial application allows precise dosing and satisfactory distribution of the biopesticide. The efficacy of 60–85% (depending on the year) of the gyroplane‐based spraying operations was comparable with that observed for ground application. CONCLUSION Considering the speed and high efficiency of the treatment, using a gyroplane as a carrier of the biopesticide application system is a good alternative to the other methods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry