Bericht über das vierte Fachgespräch zum biologischen Pflanzenschutz: „Trichogramma – Wissensstand und Zukunftsperspektiven“

The forth Symposium on Biological Control titled „Trichogramma – current knowledge and future perspectives“, organised by the Federal Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, displayed the recent activities of research and practical implementation with this group of beneficials that is being effectively used world-wide in biological control. Participants from research institutes, universities, plant protection services and companies reviewed the historical development of this biocontrol method during the last 25 years, presented recent research results, defined future needs for experimental work and discussed legal regulations for the release of beneficials. Main discussion points were the biodiversity and biology of Trichogramma, new release methods, various aspects of quality control and utilization of Trichogramma against new target pests. The presentations were followed by intense discussions that focused on problems and chances. The most important conclusions were summarized as follows: (1) Request for more competent plant protection extension service, (2) Development of new application methods, (3) Survey of the natural occurrence of Trichogramma “biodiversity” in Germany, (4) Research on the application of Trichogramma against pests on a wider range of crops and (5) Continuing the close cooperation of workers in research and practise. On the basis of the presentations and the discussions of the symposium, the participants agreed that there is potential and future positives for the utilization of Trichogramma in pest management programs in agriculture and in storage.