PRODUCTION OF EARWIGS (Euborellia stali)AS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT

A research paper

Presented to Mr. Denvir Godoy

BULACAN AGRICULTURAL STATE COLLEGE

College of Agriculture

Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan

GABRIEL PAMELA S.

ROXAS, DANYS RAELL V.

ROY, JESSA F.

DECEMBER 2019
INTRODUCTION

Biological control is a component of an integrated pest management strategy. It is defined as

the reduction of pest populations by natural enemies and typically involves an active human role.
Natural enemies of insect pests, also known as biological control agents, include predators,
parasitoids, and pathogens.(biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu)

Biocontrol agents creates no chemical run-off in water ways or soil pollution. It alsotargets a
narrow range of pests, sometimes even a single species. Successfully established biological
control species will maintain stable populations for generations without need for additional
investment by humans. Chemical controls, however, must be applied each season, sometimes
multiple times a season. This adds to both the environmental and monetary costs of using
chemical pest controls. Bioagents may act over several generations or more to successfully
manage pest populations. (Cyansi, 2017).

With the use of biocontrol agents, it minimizes the bad effects of using commercial
pesticides to mitigate/ eradicate pests in a certain area of crops. Using of pesticides may lead to
production of considerable damage to ecosystems. Insecticides and herbicides may be harmful
for non-target species. Pesticides pollute air, water and soil. Carried by the wind, pesticide
suspensions contaminate other areas. Pesticides affect considerably natural biological
equilibrium. Pesticides diminish biodiversity, reduce nitrogen fixation, contribute to the
disappearance of pollinators, threaten fish, and destroy bird and animal habitats. Pets may also
become affected by strong pesticides.

On the other hand, earwsigs are mostly nocturnal and often hide in small, moist crevices
during the day, and are active at night, feeding on a wide variety of insect and plants. These
beneficial insect pest is use as a pest predator because they mainly eat pests like aphids, mites,
and undesirable nematodes and other insect larvae.

On this study, the researchers used earwigs as a biocon agent to mitigate the occuringpests of
the Three Sister Plants.

OBJECTIVES

Generally, this study will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of using Earwigs as
a biological control agent. .

Specifically, it aims to focus on the following objectives:

1. To determine the benefits of producing Earwigs.

2. To determine the effects of releasing earwigs as a biocon agent.
METHODOLOGY

Collection of Earwigs
 Earwigs (), as a biological control agent was collected on chicken dung in the poultry of
BASC Newsite, Poblacion, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. At least 15 pairs for the production of
earwigs.

Preparation of their Habitat

In preparation of habitat for earwig, materials are needed such as 10 L Plastic Bottles for
their cage, stocking or net for security, corn cob as their house, 1 part of chicken dung and 1 part
of sand as part of their habitat. The earwigs were fed with dog food. After 2-3 weeks, the earwigs
were doubled in population.

Releasing of Earwigs

When the earwigs are half matured, released it on the plot. Lastly, see if earwigs can
eliminate the pests of the plants.

RECOMMENDATION

The researchers conclude that earwigs can be considered as a biocon agent and as a pest
predator. It can be used to eliminate occurring pests of Three Sister Plant like aphids and larvae
of insects.
References:
biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu
Cyansi, 2017