STORAGE TECHNIQUES OF STINK BUG EGGS FOR LABORATORY PRODUCTION OF THEPARASITOID TRISSOLCUS-BASALIS (WOLLASTON)

Different storage techniques of green stink burg (Nezara viridula L.) eggs were compared in the laboratory, with the objective of improving production of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis. Eggs stored at -1 5 degrees C in petri dishes covered with aluminum foil remained viable to parasitism by T. basalis for up to 180 days, while the standard (c ontrol) technique at 8 degrees C allowed storage for only ca. 60 days. Other methods, also involving the use of aluminum foil or vacuum-stor ed eggs in plastic bags, preserved eggs for up to 90 days. The quality of T. basalis adults emerged from stored eggs was similar to that obs erved with adults emerged from fresh eggs of N. viridula although a lo nger developmental time was observed in stored eggs.