First report on Brachymeria spp (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) as a Hyperparasitoid of Charops bicolor Szepligeti (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) an larval parasitoid of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Maize from Southern Rajasthan India

Abstract

Abstract Background Spodoptera frugiperda, is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to global food security by causing significant crop loss. There is a need for more environmentally friendly control methods, including biological control of this pest. Charops bicolor is an effective larval parasitoid of many lepidopteran insect pests, including S. frugiperda. Brachymeria spp was found as a parasitoid and hyperparasitoid of many parasitoid species, including C. bicolor. Results During the survey and observations recorded under laboratory conditions, it was found that a black-bodied hymenopteran Brachymeria spp was first time reported as a hyperparasitoid of Charops bicolor which was a larval parasitoid of S.frugiperda in maize from Southern Rajasthan, India. Conclusions The invasion of FAW in India as well as in Rajasthan has created an opportunity for enhancing biological control of fall armyworm using parasitoids for sustainable production of maize. The hyperparasitism success of Brachymeriaspp can create higher chances of disrupting the parasitism potential of other parasitoid species and allow S. frugiperda to cause more damage.