Abstract
Hypothetical natural host population models were employed to calculate the impact of releasing parasites of Lixophaga diatraeae (Townsend) to control Diatraea saccharalis (F.). The population models indicate that release of 1000 parasites per acre in Host Generation 2 would cause a subsequent accumulative suppression of the order of 97% by the 4th or last host generation. The principles governing effectiveness of strategic releases of parasites in relation to the host density as a method of suppressing sugarcane borer populations are discussed. The feasibility of suppressing and possibly cradicating the sugarcane borer by developing an integrated parasite-sterile insect release program is considered.

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