Nezapar Parasitic Wasp

Scientific name:  Trissolcus basalis.

Trissolcus basalis, the green vegetable bug egg parasitoid, of the parasitic wasp family Platygastridae, is a primary natural enemy of the common plant feeding agricultural pest Nezara viridula, known as the green vegetable bug, southern green stink bug, southern green shield bug.

A solitary endoparasitoid, female Trissolcus basalis oviposit into eggs of bugs of the pentatomid family and make the eggs with pheromones. The female wasps will defend the eggs they have parasitized. Adult wasps will complete development within the eggs. Male wasps emerge from unfertilized eggs first followed by females a couple of days later. Male wasps mate with female wasps as they emerge from the egg, ensuring a continuous supply of parasitoid wasps to naturally control stink bug populations.

Trissolcus basalis has been introduced in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and in mid European countries as an effective biocontrol agent of shield bugs in an effort to organically control damage caused to crops preferred by stink bugs, including certain species of legumes such as green beans and soybeans and sweet corn.

Use for:

• For the control of the Southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula.
• For preventive and light curative control.
• Crops of legumes and corn.
  

Mode of action:

Adult female parasitic wasps of Trissolcus basalis lay an egg in a host egg. Larvae develop inside the host egg, and after pupation the adult emerges from the host egg by biting a hole in the lid of the stink bug egg.

Visually, parasitised host eggs turn beige brown after about a week and shiny grey black after about 10 to 12 days. Nezara viridula eggs from which Trissolcus basalis have emerged have an opening with a serrated edge. Unparasitised eggs have a nice round edge.

Product specifications:

Application:

Sprinkle the pupae in application boxes. 100 application boxes/ha are recommended.

Dosage:

The dosage of Nezapar depends on climate, crop and stink bug density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start preventively 3 weeks before the first stink bugs are expected. Introduction rates typically range from 1 to 6 parasitic wasps per m²/release. Releases should be repeated at weekly intervals throughout the season or until control is achieved.

Environmental conditions:

Trissolcus basalis is most effective at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C / 77°F and 86°F.

Storage:

• Apply as soon as possible after receipt. If necessary, the product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at 8°C to 10°C /47°F to 50°F.
• Store in the dark.

Caution:

• Only use products that are permitted in your country or state and crop.
• Pesticides can have direct or indirect effects on biological solutions.