A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps. By releasing the wasps at three different stages of cotton growth—from the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, the boll-forming stage, and the cotton boll-opening stage—and using a specific wasp-to-aphid ratio, the control effect on cotton aphids is stable and does not rebound. Simultaneously, it reduces pesticide use and residues, improves cotton quality and market competitiveness, protects farmland biodiversity and the ecological environment, and reduces the frequency of pesticide exposure for cotton farmers, thus mitigating the impact of pesticides on human health. The technical solution provided in this application is conducive to achieving green and sustainable development of the cotton industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of animal production applications, specifically relating to a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps. Background Technology

[0002] Cotton aphids are one of the major pests of cotton. It is understood that annual losses due to aphid damage in cotton cultivation in my country can reach 5%-10%. Symptoms of aphid infestation include stunted growth, deformed leaves, reduced leaf number, and fewer buds and bolls. Cotton aphids hatch their overwintering eggs after their host plants sprout in spring. Once the larvae mature into adults, they migrate to newly emerged cotton seedlings to cause damage. Adults feed and reproduce on cotton and other host plants. Winged aphids migrate and spread in the field. In late autumn, as temperatures drop and host plants age, winged aphids return to their overwintering hosts, producing winged males and wingless oviposition females. After mating, the aphids lay eggs. Adults and nymphs suck sap from leaves or young shoots, disrupting the normal metabolism of cotton. Damage during the seedling stage causes leaf curling and delays flowering and boll formation; damage during the bud and boll stage easily leads to bud drop. Cotton aphids congregate on the underside of leaves, excreting honeydew that makes the leaves shiny and hinders normal respiration in cotton plants. This also induces mold growth and affects photosynthesis.

[0003] In cotton aphid control in cotton fields, chemical pesticides are commonly used, primarily neonicotinoids such as acetamiprid and imidacloprid, which are systemic and have a long residual effect. However, some organophosphate pesticides, such as dimethoate, phorate, and endosulfan, are broad-spectrum insecticides. Because organophosphate pesticides have a broad spectrum of insecticidal activity but a short residual effect, aphids will become much more difficult to control once they develop resistance. Therefore, how to utilize natural enemies of cotton aphids for effective biological control to avoid the development of pesticide resistance and rebound effects in later stages of control remains a problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing organophosphate pesticides, which have a broad insecticidal spectrum, short residual effect, and increased difficulty in aphid control once resistance develops. This invention aims to solve the technical problem of effectively controlling cotton aphids using natural enemies, thereby avoiding the rebound of pesticide resistance and the resulting impact on control efficacy. The invention proposes a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitoid wasps. The wasps are released at three different stages of cotton growth: the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, the boll-forming stage, and the cotton boll-opening stage. A specific wasp-to-aphid ratio is used for release, resulting in stable and non-rebounding aphid control. Simultaneously, this method reduces pesticide usage and residues, improves cotton quality and market competitiveness, protects farmland biodiversity and the ecological environment, reduces farmers' exposure to pesticides, and lowers the impact of pesticides on human health.

[0005] To achieve this technical objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] This invention provides a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps, which is carried out using the following method:

[0007] (1) Start field surveys 2-3 days before release to understand the incidence of cotton aphids in the field;

[0008] (2) A total of three batches of bees were released during the entire cotton growing season;

[0009] (3) The first batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(20-40) to aphids, and bees should be released every 7-10 days.

[0010] (4) The second batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(40-60) of bees to aphids, and bees should be released once every 3-5 days.

[0011] (5) The third batch of bee release should be carried out at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(40-60), and bees should be released once every 7-10 days;

[0012] (6) Do not apply chemical pesticides within 2-3 days before or after releasing cotton aphid parasitoids, so as not to affect the control effect of cotton aphid parasitoids;

[0013] Furthermore, the timing of bee release is as follows: the first batch of bees will be released during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage of the cotton plants.

[0014] Furthermore, the timing of bee release is as follows: the second batch of bees will be released during the flowering and boll-forming stage of the cotton plants.

[0015] Furthermore, the timing of the bee release is as follows: the third batch of bees is released during the cotton boll-opening period.

[0016] Preferably, the first batch of bees is released at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(25-35), the second batch at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(45-55), and the third batch at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(45-55).

[0017] More preferably, the first batch of bee releases is carried out at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:30, the second batch at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:50, and the third batch at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:50.

[0018] Furthermore, in the three batches of bee release methods described above, the bees should not be kept in the bee container for more than 3 hours, the temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the bees should be released on a sunny day.

[0019] Furthermore, chemical pesticides must not be applied before or after releasing the cotton aphid parasitic wasps in the three batches of bee release methods described above: when releasing the wasps, open the bee container and move it slowly to allow the cotton aphid parasitic wasps to fly with the wind.

[0020] This application also provides the application of the above-mentioned method for releasing cotton aphid wasps in the control of cotton aphids.

[0021] By implementing the technical solution of this invention, the following beneficial effects can be achieved:

[0022] This invention provides a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps. The wasps are released at three different stages: the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, the boll-forming stage, and the lint-opening stage. The ratio of aphids to wasps in the second release has the greatest impact on the control efficacy, with an optimal overall control efficacy of 26.23%. The ratio in the first release has the second most significant impact, with an optimal overall control efficacy of 25.67%. The ratio in the third release has the least impact, with an optimal level of 24.9%. This application achieves stable and non-rebounding cotton aphid control by releasing wasps at a specific wasp-aphid ratio. Comparative analysis shows that in the initial control stage, the effect is lower compared to chemical control; however, the control efficacy of the cotton aphid parasitic wasp release method provided in this application continuously improves from day 20 to 40 after release. In contrast to the chemical control group, the control effect was significant in the early stage, but cotton aphids developed resistance between days 20 and 40, and the control effect dropped to a very low level of about 6%. Moreover, the negative impact of pesticide use on cotton fields and the environment is immeasurable. (3) The release method of cotton aphid parasitoids provided in this application can effectively control cotton aphids, reduce the amount of pesticides used and pesticide residues, improve the quality and market competitiveness of cotton, protect the biodiversity and ecological environment of farmland, and reduce the number of times cotton farmers come into contact with pesticides, thereby reducing the impact of pesticides on human health. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 The figure shows the effect of different aphid-control ratios on the control effect during the first release of bees.

[0024] Figure 2 The figure shows the effect of different aphid-control ratios on the control effect during the second release of bees.

[0025] Figure 3 The figure shows the effect of different aphid-control ratios on the control effect during the third release of bees. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In this embodiment, cotton aphids were collected from cotton fields at the Korla Experimental Base of the Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Kule Village, Heshilik Township, Korla City, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, 41.75ºN, 85.81ºE).

[0028] The cotton aphid parasitoid wasps were collected from licorice and camel thorn plants around the Korla experimental base of the Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and were used for experiments after emerging in the laboratory.

[0029] The relevant experiments were conducted in cotton fields at the Korla Experimental Base of the Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The cotton variety used was Xinluzhong 67, and a wide-narrow row sowing method was adopted, with 6 rows per film and a sowing width of 200cm, a film spacing of 42cm, a row spacing of 13+62+13, and a plant spacing of 10cm. No insecticides were sprayed during the experiment.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods used in the following examples are conventional methods. Unless otherwise specified, the materials and reagents used in the following examples are commercially available.

[0031] Example 1: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0032] This invention provides a method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps, which is carried out using the following method:

[0033] (1) Start field surveys 2-3 days before release to understand the incidence of cotton aphids in the field;

[0034] (2) A total of three batches of bees were released during the entire cotton growing season;

[0035] (3) The first batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(20-40) to aphids, and bees should be released every 7-10 days.

[0036] (4) The second batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(40-60) of bees to aphids, and bees should be released once every 3-5 days.

[0037] (5) The third batch of bee release should be carried out at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(40-60), and bees should be released once every 7-10 days;

[0038] (6) Do not apply chemical pesticides within 2-3 days before or after releasing cotton aphid parasitoids, so as not to affect the control effect of cotton aphid parasitoids;

[0039] Furthermore, the timing of bee release is as follows: the first batch of bees will be released during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage of the cotton plants.

[0040] Furthermore, the timing of bee release is as follows: the second batch of bees will be released during the flowering and boll-forming stage of the cotton plants.

[0041] Furthermore, the timing of the bee release is as follows: the third batch of bees is released during the cotton boll-opening period.

[0042] Furthermore, in the three batches of bee release methods described above, the bees should not be kept in the bee container for more than 3 hours, the temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the bees should be released on a sunny day.

[0043] Furthermore, chemical pesticides must not be applied before or after releasing the cotton aphid parasitic wasps in the three batches of bee release methods described above: when releasing the wasps, open the bee container and move it slowly to allow the cotton aphid parasitic wasps to fly with the wind.

[0044] Example 2: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0045] A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps is as follows: 2-3 days prior to release, conduct field surveys to assess cotton aphid disease incidence. The first release of wasps is conducted from the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:20, repeated every 7-10 days. The second release is conducted during the boll-forming stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:40, repeated every 3-5 days. The third release is conducted during the boll-opening stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:40, repeated every 7-10 days. No chemical pesticides should be applied 2-3 days before and after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps to avoid affecting their control effect. During the three release phases, the adult wasps should not be kept in the wasp container for more than 3 hours, and the temperature should not exceed 30℃. Release should be conducted on a sunny day. No chemical pesticides should be applied before or after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps. When releasing the wasps, open the container and move it slowly to allow the wasps to fly with the wind.

[0046] Example 3: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0047] A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps is as follows: 2-3 days prior to release, conduct field surveys to assess cotton aphid disease incidence. The first release of wasps occurs during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:25, repeated every 7-10 days. The second release occurs during the boll-forming stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:45, repeated every 3-5 days. The third release occurs during the boll-opening stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:45, repeated every 7-10 days. No chemical pesticides should be applied 2-3 days before and after the release to avoid affecting the wasp's control effect. During the three release phases, the adult wasps should not remain in the container for more than 3 hours, and the temperature should not exceed 30℃. Release should be conducted on a sunny day. No chemical pesticides should be applied before or after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps. When releasing the wasps, open the container and move it slowly to allow the wasps to fly with the wind.

[0048] Example 4: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0049] A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps is as follows: 2-3 days prior to release, conduct field surveys to assess cotton aphid disease incidence. The first release of wasps occurs during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:30, repeated every 7-10 days. The second release occurs during the boll-forming stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:50, repeated every 3-5 days. The third release occurs during the boll-opening stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:50, repeated every 7-10 days. No chemical pesticides should be applied 2-3 days before and after the release to avoid affecting the wasp's control effect. During the three release phases, the adult wasps should not remain in the container for more than 3 hours, and the temperature should not exceed 30℃. Release should be conducted on a sunny day. No chemical pesticides should be applied before or after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps. When releasing the wasps, open the container and move it slowly to allow the wasps to fly with the wind.

[0050] Example 5: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0051] A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps is as follows: 2-3 days prior to release, conduct field surveys to assess cotton aphid disease incidence. The first release of wasps occurs during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:35, repeated every 7-10 days. The second release occurs during the boll-forming stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:55, repeated every 3-5 days. The third release occurs during the boll-opening stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:55, repeated every 7-10 days. No chemical pesticides should be applied 2-3 days before and after the release to avoid affecting the wasp's control effect. During the three release phases, the adult wasps should not remain in the container for more than 3 hours, and the temperature should not exceed 30℃. Release should be conducted on a sunny day. No chemical pesticides should be applied before or after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps. When releasing the wasps, open the container and move it slowly to allow the wasps to fly with the wind.

[0052] Example 6: A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0053] A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps is as follows: 2-3 days prior to release, conduct field surveys to assess cotton aphid disease incidence. The first release of wasps is conducted from the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:40, repeated every 7-10 days. The second release is conducted during the boll-forming stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:60, repeated every 3-5 days. The third release is conducted during the boll-opening stage, with a wasp-to-aphid ratio of 1:60, repeated every 7-10 days. No chemical pesticides should be applied 2-3 days before and after the release to avoid affecting the wasp's control effect. During the three release phases, the adult wasps should not be kept in the container for more than 3 hours, and the temperature should not exceed 30℃. Release should be conducted on a sunny day. No chemical pesticides should be applied before or after the release of the cotton aphid parasitic wasps. When releasing the wasps, open the container and move it slowly to allow the wasps to fly with the wind.

[0054] Example 7: Optimization of the release method for cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0055] Based on the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps provided in Examples 2 to 6 above, the effects of releasing different aphid parasitic wasps three times on the control efficacy were explored, and the release scheme with the best control effect of cotton aphid parasitic wasps was screened.

[0056] 1. Single-factor experiment

[0057] Using the ratio of aphids to wasps in each of the three releases as an indicator, the effect of different aphid-sapling ratios during the three releases on the control effect was investigated. The test results are attached. Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3.

[0058] (1) The effect of the first release of aphid-swarming bees on the control effect

[0059] Appendix Figure 1 The effect of the first release of aphid-control wasps on the control effect. (See attached...) Figure 1 It can be seen that the control effect gradually increases with the increase of the ratio of aphids to bees during the first release. The control effect is optimal when the ratio reaches 1:30. The control effect decreases as the ratio increases further. Therefore, orthogonal optimization experiments were conducted using aphid-bee ratios of 1:25, 1:30, and 1:35 for the first release.

[0060] (2) The effect of the second release of aphid-swarming bees on the control effect

[0061] Appendix Figure 2 The effect of the second release of aphid-swarming wasps on the control effect. (See attached...) Figure 2It can be seen that the control effect gradually increases with the increase of the ratio of aphids to bees in the second release. The control effect is optimal when the ratio reaches 1:50, and decreases with further increases in the ratio. Therefore, orthogonal optimization experiments were conducted using ratios of 1:45, 1:50, and 1:55 for the second release.

[0062] (3) The effect of the third release of aphid-swarming bees on the control effect

[0063] Appendix Figure 3 The effect of the third release of aphid-swarming wasps on the control effect. (See attached...) Figure 3 It can be seen that the control effect gradually increases with the increase of the ratio of aphids to bees in the third release. The control effect is optimal when the ratio reaches 1:50 in the third release, and decreases with further increases in the ratio. Therefore, orthogonal optimization experiments were conducted using ratios of 1:45, 1:50, and 1:55 for the third release.

[0064] 2. Orthogonal experimental design

[0065] Based on the results of single-factor experiments, orthogonal experimental design was used to conduct orthogonal analysis experiments with three different aphid wasps released, representing three factors (A, B, and C) respectively, to determine the optimal release method for cotton aphid wasps. The experimental design is shown in Table 1.

[0066] Table 1: Orthogonal design factors for the release methods of cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0067]

[0068] 3. Orthogonal experimental design of release methods for cotton aphid parasitic wasps: factors and levels

[0069] Through L(3) 3 An orthogonal design table was used to optimize the release of cotton aphids at three different levels, considering the ratio of aphids to wasps in the first, second, and third releases. The average control efficacy was recorded 10 days after each release as the overall control efficacy. The experimental factors and levels for the release method of cotton aphid wasps are shown in Table 1, and the orthogonal experimental design and results for the release method of cotton aphid wasps are shown in Table 2.

[0070] Table 2: Orthogonal experimental table of release methods for cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0071]

[0072] The above single-factor experiments mainly discussed three major single factors affecting the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps. However, in actual operation, these independent factors interact and influence each other. Therefore, to make the experiment more scientific and comprehensive, three levels around the optimal addition ratio of each factor were selected to design an orthogonal experiment (see Table 2). The average control effect 10 days after each release was recorded as the comprehensive control effect, and the optimal release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps was determined. As can be seen from Table 2, the factors affecting the control effect of the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps are in the order of B>A>C. That is, the ratio of aphid parasitic wasps released in the second release has the greatest impact on the control effect of the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps, with an optimal comprehensive control effect of 26.23%; the ratio of aphid parasitic wasps released in the first release has the second most important impact on the control effect of the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps, with an optimal comprehensive control effect of 25.67%; and the ratio of aphid parasitic wasps released in the third release has the least impact on the control effect of the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps, with an optimal level of 24.9%. Therefore, the optimal combination of the three factors is B2A2C2. It is evident that the optimal combination of release methods for cotton aphid parasitic wasps is: a ratio of 1:30 for the first release, 1:50 for the second release, and 1:50 for the third release.

[0073] Example 8: Comparison of the effects of release methods for cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0074] Based on the descriptions in Examples 2 to 4 above, the release method of cotton aphid parasitic wasps provided in Example 4 with optimal parameters was selected for comparison with the control effect of chemical control using 20% ​​acetamiprid at a rate of 15-20 mg / mu. The control effects were statistically analyzed at five monitoring points before release and at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days after release. A blank control group was established in cotton fields far from the release area. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0075] Table 3: Comparison of the effects of different release methods for cotton aphid parasitic wasps

[0076]

[0077] Based on the control efficacy measured in Table 3, it is shown that the cotton aphid parasitoid release method provided in this application has a lower effect compared to chemical control in the initial stage of control. However, the control efficacy of the cotton aphid parasitoid release method provided in this application continuously improves from 20 to 40 days after release. In contrast, the chemical control group showed significant control efficacy in the initial stage, but cotton aphids developed resistance from 20 to 40 days, and the control efficacy dropped to a very low level. It is evident that the optimal cotton aphid parasitoid release method in Example 4 of this application is useful. By releasing the parasitoids at three different stages of cotton growth—from the three-leaf stage to the budding stage, the boll-forming stage, and the lint-opening stage—and by using a specific parasitoid-aphid ratio, the cotton aphid control effect is stable and does not rebound. At the same time, it reduces pesticide use and pesticide residues, improves the quality and market competitiveness of cotton, protects farmland biodiversity and the ecological environment, and reduces the number of times cotton farmers come into contact with pesticides, thus reducing the impact of pesticides on human health. The technical solution provided in this application is conducive to achieving the green and sustainable development of the cotton industry.

[0078] The embodiments described above are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art through related deductions and substitutions based on the inventive concept, without inventive effort, are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps, characterized in that, The following method is used: (1) Start field surveys 2-3 days before release to understand the incidence of cotton aphids in the field; (2) A total of three batches of bees were released during the entire cotton growing season; (3) The first batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(20-40) to aphids, and bees should be released every 7-10 days. (4) The second batch of bees should be released at a ratio of 1:(40-60) to aphids, and bees should be released every 3-5 days. (5) The third batch of bee release should be carried out at a bee-aphid ratio of 1:(40-60), and bees should be released once every 7-10 days; (6) Do not apply chemical pesticides within 2-3 days before or after releasing cotton aphid parasitoids, so as not to affect the control effect of cotton aphid parasitoids; The timing of bee release is as follows: the first batch of bees will be released during the three-leaf stage to the budding stage of the cotton plants; The timing of bee release is as follows: the second batch of bees will be released during the flowering and boll-forming stage of the cotton plants; The timing of the bee release is as follows: the third batch of bees will be released during the cotton boll-opening period.

2. The method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first batch of bees was released at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:(25-35), the second batch at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:(45-55), and the third batch at a bee-to-aphid ratio of 1:(45-55).

3. The method for releasing cotton aphid wasps as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first batch of bees was released at a ratio of 1:30 to 1:30; the second batch at a ratio of 1:50 to 1:50; and the third batch at a ratio of 1:50 to 1:

50.

4. The method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the three batch bee release methods described above, the adult bees should not be kept in the bee container for more than 3 hours, the temperature should not exceed 30℃, and the bees should be released on a sunny day.

5. The method for releasing cotton aphid parasitic wasps as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the three batches of bee release methods described above, chemical pesticides should not be applied before or after releasing the cotton aphid parasitic wasps: when releasing the wasps, open the bee container and move it slowly to allow the cotton aphid parasitic wasps to fly with the wind.

6. The application of the method for releasing cotton aphid wasps as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 in the control of cotton aphids.

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