Trissolcus basalis

It is crucial to clarify that Trissolcus basalis is not a plant pest. It is a highly beneficial parasitoid wasp belonging to the Scelionidae family within the order Hymenoptera. In integrated pest management (IPM), it is widely recognized as one of the most effective natural enemies of stink bugs.

This tiny wasp specifically targets the eggs of various stink bug species, most notably the Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula). By depositing its own eggs into the eggs of the pest, Trissolcus basalis acts as a natural biological regulator, neutralizing the threat before the larvae can emerge and damage the crops.

The life cycle of this parasitoid is perfectly synchronized with its host. The female wasp searches for egg masses, and after oviposition, the wasp larva develops entirely within the host egg, consuming its contents. This process leads to the mortality of the stink bug embryo and the subsequent emergence of a new generation of beneficial wasps.

Plants prone to infestation by stink bugs, such as tomatoes, beans, and various vegetables, benefit significantly from the presence of this wasp. The damage caused by stink bugs includes spotting on fruits and stems, which is effectively prevented when Trissolcus basalis populations are established in the agroecosystem.

To promote the effectiveness of Trissolcus basalis, farmers should avoid the use of broad-spectrum pesticides that might harm the parasitoids. Encouraging biodiversity through the planting of flowering strips provides nectar sources for adult wasps, thereby enhancing their longevity and increasing the overall success rate of biological pest control.

• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Scelionidae
• Biological role: Egg parasitoid
• Target hosts: Pentatomidae family
• Strategy: Sustainable biological pest control