CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 2006 1, No. 015 Review The predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus: biology, ecology and augmentative releases for lepidopteran larval control in Eucalyptus forests in Brazil Jorge B. Torres1,*, Jose´C. Zanuncio2 and Michelle A. Moura3 Address: 1 DEPA-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irma˜os, Recife PE 52171-900, Brazil. 2 DBA, Universidade Federal de Vic¸osa, Vic¸osa MG 36571-000, Brazil. 3 Vallourec & Mannesmann Florestal Ltda, Curvelo MG 37790-000, Brazil. *Correspondence: Jorge B. Torres. Email:
[email protected] Received: 27 July 2005 Accepted: 22 February 2006 doi: 10.1079/PAVSNNR20061015 The electronic version of this article is the definitive one. It is located here: http://www.cababstractsplus.org/cabreviews g CABI Publishing 2006 (Online ISSN 1749-8848) Abstract Podisus nigrispinus feeds primarily on insect larvae. It has been reared and released in Brazil to control lepidopterous larvae, particularly defoliators of Eucalyptus trees, but inoculative releases and conservation of natural populations in other crops have also been attempted. Aspects favouring the use of P. nigrispinus as a biocontrol agent include: (i) cost-effective mass-rearing capabilities with alternative prey or artificial diets; (ii) compatibility of the predator with some insecticides and forest production practices; (iii) natural occurrence in diverse habitats associated with lepidopteran outbreaks. The biology and ecology of P. nigrispinus and its mass production and use to control defoliating lepidopteran larvae in Eucalyptus plantations are discussed, and research needs to expand its use in pest management are outlined.