Statkevych O. Optimization of technological parameters of multitude breeding ectoparasite (Habrobracon hebetor Say.) and its use for plant protection

The thesis experimentally substantiates the technological process of the mass cultivation of ectoparasites H. hebetor Say. with the optimization of the determining parameters providing a high level of culture viability, motivational activity and practical efficiency. As a result of visual and instrumental monitoring, we determined the wintering places of natural populations of ectoparasite H. hebetor Say. At the same time, the bark and hollows of trees were optimal niches for diapause. In addition, experiments determined the factors and causes that influenced the death of the ectoparasites. Taking into account all the features of overwintering entomophages, we have optimized and tested original artificial nests, which included environmentally friendly materials, in particular, reeds, woolen cloth, corrugated paper and straw. This made it possible to preserve the natural population of H. hebetor Say., collect physiological full-fledged native cultures of the entomophage, which can be used as a biomaterial for mass breeding of ectoparasite. We have established in laboratory conditions the parameters of the viability and productivity of the H. hebetor Say. depending on the species of the host and the age structure of the caterpillars. Considerable experimental material has convincingly shown that Galleria mellonella L. is the optimal species for laboratory cultivation of H. hebetor Say. In particular, the vitality of ectoparasite was 96.4%, fertility reached its maximum - 130.4 eggs / female, the average life expectancy of females averaged 16.8 days. The possibility of using laboratory populations of ectoparasite in regulating the number of Lepidoptera phytophages has been established. As a result of Trichogramma evanescens Westw., as well as H. hebetor Say. in the optimal time, provided a high level of parasitism of eggs and caterpillars of Noctuidae. The efficiency of this technology was 92%. The main advantage of the proposed system of protection of tomato plantations is that the crop meets all the necessary sanitary and hygienic standards and can be an integral part of children's and dietary nutrition.