Suppression of Mexican Bean Beetle1 on Soybeans with Annual Inoculative Releases of Pediobius foveolatus23

Abstract

Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford) was released annually in soybeans during 1972 and 1973 in preliminary attempts to suppress Epilachna varivestis Mulsant. The results led to an area-wide suppression during 1974, utilizing nurse crops of snap beans for early inoculation of E. varivestis larval populations, and widespread releases of P. foveolatus directly into soybean fields. The results indicate a promising means of biological control for areas where E. varivestis is economically important.