MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture-Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC)-10 recently extended training on mass production for Trichogramma sp. to its DA-RCPC counterpart in Region 11 (Davao Region).

Four technical staff were housed in the center in Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and trained in proper practices and methods for mass production of Trichogramma sp. and its laboratory hosts, Sitotroga cerealella and Corcyra cephalonica.

Trichogramma is a group of parasitic wasps that are used to get rid of pest insects that hurt crops. The wasps lay their eggs inside the eggs of the insect pest, which eventually kills the pest's eggs and prevents them from hatching into larvae that can damage crops.

Sitotroga cerealella and Corcyra cephalonica are two species of moths used as laboratory hosts for the mass production of Trichogramma sp.

Laboratory hosts such as Sitotroga cerealella and Corcyra cephalonica are used to mass-produce Trichogramma sp., as their eggs serve as a food source for the parasitic wasps.

The training, led by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado, honed participants' skills on Sitotroga egg replenishment and their mass production.

Aside from the mass production of Trichogramma sp., DA-RCPC-10 also provides technology for insect preservation for the museum.

The DA-RCPC 10, led by Lucille T. Minguez, and RCPC technical staff facilitated the activity. (DA-RCPC-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)