Waxfilm (Pat. pend.): an alternative film for rearing parasitoids Anthonomus grandis (Col., Curculionidae)

Reducing the impact of insecticides on the environment is a matter of conce rn to researchers and the use of parasitoids for controlling pests is ecolo gically preferred. One of the methods used in the mass rearing of parasitoi ds requires the use of Parafilm(R) 'M'. This film is inconvenient for use i n Brazil because of import restrictions and import duties. Waxfilm (Pat. pe nd.) is a film made from beeswax (Apis mellifera L.) that does not depend o n importation, is 100% natural, 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable. Thi s film is used in the laboratory as an artificial flower bud, in which boil weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman larvae are placed and then exposed to pa rasitoids. Research was conducted at a temperature of 25 +/- 2 degreesC and a relative humidity of 70 +/- 5%. Bracon sp. and Catollacus grandis (Burks ) parasitoids were tested for rearing using both films. The results show th at, on the basis of the number of parasitoids that emerged, Waxfilm is as e fficient as Parafilm(R) 'M'. This new film could have a large impact on bio logical control programmes in developing countries, where the use of cheap and locally available materials is very important to the successful impleme ntation of new technologies. This would also provide increased income to in digenous beekeepers.