Actualización sobre la presencia natural de Goniozus legneri (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) en agroecosistemas nogaleros de Catamarca y primer registro en el Departamento Famatina, Provincia de La Rioja.

This article presents an update on the natural presence of Goniozus legneri in walnut agroecosystems in Catamarca and the first record in the Famatina Department, La Rioja Province. It was observed that this species parasitizes Cydia pomonella larvae in the province of Catamarca and Ectomyelois ceratoniae larvae in post-harvest walnut fruits in La Rioja. Details are discussed regarding the external morphology of Goniozus legneri, as well as its biology and role as a biocontroller of lepidopteran pest populations. The article reports on research conducted on the interaction between G. legneri and C. pomonella under laboratory and field conditions. It has been found that G. legneri has a high survival rate, a close synchronization with the larval stages of the pest, a female-biased progeny, high fecundity, and a short generational time. These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of G. legneri as a biological control agent for the pest. Furthermore, the natural presence of G. legneri in walnut agroecosystems in Catamarca and La Rioja has been confirmed, although at low densities. Future studies are suggested to focus on the development of low environmental impact control tools, such as augmentative biological control. The article also mentions other studies on the biology, biological control, and presence of G. legneri in different regions of Argentina, as well as its first record in Chile. [Extracted from the article]