Beneficial Parasitic Wasps In Peanuts

Jul 11, 2017

By Kalyn Waters

Insect management tends to focus on pests that cause damage and reduce yields, but one aspect of integrated pest management (IPM) includes the knowledge of beneficial insects that naturally control those pests. In peanuts, there are several different beneficial parasitoids that can be found preying on pest insects in the southern U.S. A parasitoid is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and ultimately kills the host. Evidence of some of these beneficial parasitoids that might be seen in the field are cocoons of parasitic wasps. Often a white mass of cocoons can be seen on the leaves of plants (Image 1).

Image 1. Beneficial Parasitic Wasp cocoon on peanuts in Holmes County.

The tiny wasp lays its eggs in a caterpillar, the eggs hatch and then feed on its living host (caterpillar). The larvae later emerge from the caterpillar and spin the silken cocoons (Image 1), before completing their development and forming into adults. These Parasitic Wasps have been seen attacking cutworms in peanut fields. The presence of cocoons on leaves is first noticed in mid to late June.

For more information please contact your county agent, or follow these links to publications on this topic:

Source: ufl.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.