Conservation of parasitoids as management strategy for lepidopterous stem borers in tropical cereals

Parasitoids can be effective against stem borers in cereal ecosystems if proper conditions for the survival, reproduction and conservation are provided. Research is however needed on trophic relations, food supplements, habitat management and non-chemical control measures particularly for generalist parasitoids. In future, conservation of native fauna should be considered as a first essential step before any importation/introduction and release of exotic species is planned.