Natural enemies of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) present in wheat growing areas in Paraguay

Abstract

In agroecosystems, there are natural enemies controlling cereal aphids, regulating their population. The study of identification and quantification is important for the integrated pest management of wheat. The research aims to identify families of predators and aphid parasitoids present in wheat crops in the departments of; Alto Paraná, Itapúa, Caaguazú and San Pedro. The insects were collected weekly from Moericke traps installed in wheat crops, from the beginning of emergence of the seedlings to the final stage, between May and October 2014. Nine species of parasitoids were identified, Lysiphlebustestaceipes, Ephedrusplagiator, Praongallicum, Praonvolucre, Aphidiuscolemani, Aphidiuspicipes, Aphidiuservi, Aphidiusuzbekistanicus, Aphidiusrhopalosiphi and four families of predators of Hemerobiidae, Coccinellidae. Coenagrionidae, Chrysopidae.