Nicholas McDonald

An augmentorium is a contraption that can be used to augment the population of a beneficial insect for the practice of biological control, or biocontrol, of insect pests. In this case, the augmentorium I’ve created is intended to augment the population of parasitoid wasps, specifically Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid wasp that targets Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as spotted-wing drosophila (SWD).

The container is a large white plastic hydroponic pot that has been modified. A clear acrylic square has been affixed to the top. Rectangular holes have been cut on the sides with clear organza fabric affixed over these holes to provide better visuals and better airflow to the interior. A rectangular hole has been cut in the front, as well, with an organza fabric cylindrical sleeve affixed in order to provide access to the interior while limiting the ability for insects to escape during access. This is tied up, of course, when the augmentorium is in place. On one side, a mesh screen has been affixed that is of a gauge (size) that allows transit of parasitoid wasps between the interior and exterior, but is still too small for SWD to travel through. Inside is a HOBO data logger (though, Govee makes a cheap alternative hygrometer that is useful), and a modified plastic storage container that has been cut using a Dremel to act as a shelf with access to the underneath.

The mesh screen could theoretically be much larger. All gaps are sealed with hot glue. Clear silicone can also be used which may provide better longevity. 3M duct tape is also used on the outside to minimize gaps.

The augmentorium is initially populated with some amount of parasitoid wasps. SWD-infested fruit is then supplied to the inside of the augmentorium, supplemented weekly. For my purposes, I provided blueberries that have been infested by SWD. I also provided honey (as a honey-water-cotton mix in a Petri dish), along with a water wick. After a few weeks, parasitoids were no longer introduced, only infested fruit. Some growers will provide infested fruit in the form of the contents of sanitation sweeps at the farm– picking up blueberries off the ground and supplying them into augmentoria.

The goal of this practice is to increase the population of parasitoid wasps at a site, which theoretically will decrease the population of the pest species being targeted by this practice. I’ve placed my augementoria within the canopy of caneberry plants, and in the brush of Himalayan blackberry brambles.