D3401: Natural parasitism of Euschistus nicaraguensis (Pentatomidae) eggs, in weeds surrounding the rice agroecosystem, in Panama: New approach of conservative biological control program

The presence of 30 females and 18 males of Euchistus nicaraguensis (Pentatomidae), were found feeding on the panicle of rice, in the milky grain phase, in Juan Hombron, Cocle, Panama. Despite the small population of this insect, it's ability to adapt to various hosts weeds species would favor the colonization of rice products areas. Therefore, the interactions between E. nicaraguensis with weeds complex and the natural parasitism of eggs of this sucking insect provide a holistic view for integrated pest management. A total 15 E. nicaraguensis eggs samples were randomly carry out in areas close to the crop plots. The eggs masses of the insect per m²  collected and transferred to climate chambers regulated at 28^o C of temperature, 85.3% of relative humidity and 12 hours of photophase, in order to wait the emergence of the eggs parasitoids. Parasitism rate of Telenomus podisi  (Platygastridae)  on Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae), Echinochloa colona (Poaceae), Eclipta prostata (Asteraceae), Fimbrystilis littoralis (Cyperaceae), ranged from 52.0 to 65.0%. The trophic interaction evidenced provides relevant information for the implementation of the natural biological control programs of the E. nicaraguensis, strengthening integrated pest management in the rice crop.