Dispersal and persistence of mass released Trichogramma brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in non-target habitats

Field studies were carried out to evaluate whether inundative releases of Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), can have negative effects on the indigenous arthropod fauna in adjacent non-target habitats. Emigration of released T. brassicae from maize fields into non-target habitats was monitored, and its persistence in non-target habitats was assessed throughout the season. For this purpose, sticky traps were installed on metal sticks along transects from the inside of T. brassicae treated maize fields into sown wildflower strips and a natural common reed stand. In addition, cards with host eggs were used to monitor Trichogramma within potential overwintering sites. Although the highest numbers of released parasitoids were trapped within maize, a considerable amount of T. brassicae moved into non-target habitats. We found a significant transient increase of T. brassicae in both wildflower strips and reeds and no consistent decrease in numbers of trapped wasps up to 40 m from the maize field borders, when monitored directly following mass releases. Indigenous Trichogramma species were present both in the wildflower strip and reeds, and T. brassicae represented only a minor part of the overall Trichogramma population therein, except for a few days after release. However, a few T. brassicae persisted in non-target habitats throughout the season and were still present prior to releases in the subsequent year. These low numbers are not expected to seriously affect populations of native Trichogramma or non-target host species.