The bronze bug (Thaumastocoris peregrinus) is a sap-sucking insect that was introduced inBrazil in 2008, and causes significant losses in eucalyptus plantations. This pest can bebiologically controlled by releasing the parasitoid Cleruchoides noackae, which is native toAustralia and was introduced in Brazil in 2012. Although this parasitoid is being established inmany places, bronze bug outbreaks continue to be variable and severe. This project is intendedto minimize this situation by boosting the effectiveness of the biological control program forthe bronze bug via additional research on its natural enemy, C. noackae. Studies will beconducted to define quality control methods for producing the parasitoid, and also evaluatethe effect of the photoperiod on the parasitoid, food resources, and the action of alternativechemical and fungal products. The ability to produce high-quality natural enemies on a largescale in the laboratory is key in biological control programs. This project will also definestrategies to monitor and evaluate parasitoid efficiency directly in the field. The findings fromthese studies will help improve sustainability and productivity in eucalyptus plantations,reduce dependence on chemicals, and decrease losses associated with the bronze bug.