Biocontrol of [i]Cydalima perspectalis[/i] (lepidopteran pest): Study of the chemical compounds linked to the box tree ecosystem and impacting the relationship between pest host, plant host and parasitoid

Description

The both tree moth ([i]Cydalima perspectalis[/i]) has recently appeared in Europe (2008 in France) causing significant damages to box trees, ornamental plants particularly popular in gardens. Nowadays, the few treatments used are essentially chemicals, bioinsecticides or traps. The national project SaveBuxus has been created in order to find quickly complementary, reliable, cost effective and environmental friendly biological solutions against thes moth.The Entomology and Mediterranean Forest Exeprimental Unit (UEFM) of INRA PACA center at Antibes is focusing on egg parasitoid researches within this project to biologically control thes pest at the egg instar. The parasitoid insect is able to oviposit in pest eggs. Then, the parasitoid larva develops inside it to the detriment of pest embryo which is always killed. This new biological control method against [i]C. pespectalis[/i] needs to be optimzed to reach a high efficiency, in particular with a specific increased understanding of plant-pest-parasitoid interactions. When Reed [i]et al[/i]. (2007) showed that several pest eggs may produce immune reactions to fight and kill parasitoid eggs within them. Other studies conducted by Fatouros [i]et al[/i]. (2005, 2008, 2012) highlighted the importance of chemical cues produced by some plants and/or pests which may influence the parasitoid egg-host location, one of the critical step of parasitism. Therefore, we examine whether this type of relationship exists between the box tree, the box tree moth and parasitoids with the cooperation of the University of Nice. A study conducted in 2015 within our laboratory leads us to focus on chemical compounds produced by the box tree and [i]C. perspectalis[/i] eggs. These cues may indeed influence the paraistoid impact to prevent his oviposition and/or his embryonic development inside the egg. The major concern of our study is the understanding of the mechanism behind the parasitoid action inhibition in order to better manage this diffuculty and imporve the biological control of this natural enemy.

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