Natural parasitism by Trichogramma spp. in agroecosystems of the Mid-North, Brazil

The micro-hymenopterans of genus Trichogramma are eggs parasitoids used in the biological control of lepidopteran pests. The objectives of this study was to record the interaction of species of Trichogramma and their hosts on crops in the Mid-North, in the states of Maranhao and Piaui, Brazil. Lepidopteran eggs were sampled on crops and non-crops. Trichogramma atopovirilia, T. manicobai, T. galloi and T. pretiosum occur naturally in eggs of eight lepidopteran species. Natural parasitism shown by Trichogramma species reveals the importance of these parasitoids as agents for biological control in the Mid-North region.