Campoplex cursitans

Systematic position: The insect belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Ichneumonidae. Although many members of this family are known as parasitoids, Campoplex cursitans is recognized in agronomy as a species that requires specific monitoring due to its interaction with agricultural plant hosts.

Affected crops: This pest primarily targets various cruciferous crops, including oilseed rape and cabbage varieties. It is also found in cereal crops and on various wild weeds that act as reservoirs for the pest during the growing season.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle involves complete metamorphosis, consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The timing of each stage is highly dependent on environmental conditions, with optimal development occurring during periods of high humidity and moderate temperatures. Overwintering typically takes place in the soil or protected debris.

Nature of damage and economic impact: Larvae damage plant tissues, including leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and reduced metabolic efficiency. Heavy infestations result in significant yield losses, reduced quality of harvested produce, and increased vulnerability of the crop to environmental stressors and diseases.

Protection measures: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective approach.

• Crop rotation to disrupt the pest's life cycle.
• Removal of cruciferous weeds to eliminate alternative habitats.
• Application of selective insecticides during the peak of larval emergence.
• Regular field monitoring to determine the economic threshold for intervention.