Impact of insecticides on parasitoids of oilseed rape pests

Abstract

Insecticide application for control of insect pests on oilseed rape may impact parasitoid activity and the levels of parasitism. Field and laboratory studies show that the insecticide product, the dose rate and the timing of application can affect parasitoid abundance and levels of parasitism differentially. Insecticides applied during flowering have most potential to threaten parasitoid populations. This knowledge will help in the future to provide recommendations to the agricultural industry on the selection of less harmful insecticides and the optimization of the time of application, in order to minimize detrimental side effects on the beneficial entomofauna. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.