The use of dyes to mark populations of beneficial insects in the field
Date
2004
Authors
Schellhorn, N.
Siekmann, G.
Paull, C.
Furness, G.
Baker, G.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
International Journal of Pest Management, 2004; 50(3):153-159
Statement of Responsibility
Nancy Schellhorn, Gitta Siekmann, Catherine Paull, Geoff Furness and Greg Baker
Conference Name
Abstract
Dyes and dusts have been used to mark insects internally and externally for decades, the majority of examples coming from laboratory-reared pest species used in mark-release-recapture studies. Using dyes or dusts to mark populations of pests and beneficial insects simultaneously in the field has received less attention. We evaluated a water-soluble fluorescent dye and a resin-based fluorescent pigment sprayed on crops to mark beneficial and pest insects, and monitored the dispersal of marked insects. Our results show that resin-based dyes provide an effective mark on several species of insects among several orders. The resin-based dye is also relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, UV-stable and water resistant, unlike a water-soluble dye. Using the resin-based dye in a broccoli production system, we were able to monitor simultaneously the movement of field populations of the parasitoids, Diadegma semiclausum (Helleacuten) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and Apanteles ippeus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the adult stage of the host, diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Resin-based dye applied on a crop is an effective way to mark and monitor the dispersal of populations of beneficial and pest insects in relation to agricultural practices, integrated pest management and conservation biological control.