Oviposition preferences of herbivores are affected by tritrophic interaction webs

Two tritrophic systems were experimentally coupled in the present study. One system consisted of a cabbage plant ( Brassica oleracea ), diamondback moth larvae ( Plutella xylostella ) and their parasitic wasp ( Cotesia plutellae ). The other system consisted of a cabbage plant, cabbage butterfly ( Pieris rapae ) larvae and their parasitic wasp ( Cotesia glomerata ). First, we demonstrated that parasitism by C. glomerata and C. plutellae increased and decreased, respectively, on plants infested by both herbivore species than on plants infested by their host larvae alone. We then demonstrated that adult Pl. xylostella oviposited preferentially on plants infested with Pi. rapae , whereas adult Pi. rapae revealed no significant preferences between uninfested plants or plants infested with Pl. xylostella . Based on the present results and those of our previous study, we discuss the oviposition preferences of herbivores in tritrophic contexts.     

Bottom-up cascading effects in a tritrophic system: interactions between plant quality and host-parasitoid immune responses

Abstract.  1. Little is known about underlying mechanisms by which plants indirectly affect parasitism success in hymenopteran endoparasitoids. The hypothesis that host-plant effects can challenge the innate immune system of an insect host was experimentally tested in this study using a model tritrophic, crucifer – lepidopteran [ Plutella xylostella (L.)] – parasitoid [ Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov)], system.
2. The effects of host-plant suitability on herbivore performance and parasitism were examined. The bottom-up effect of plant suitability on host-parasitoid immune responses was then evaluated using measures of cellular and humoral effectors.
3. Host-plant quality showed a significant effect on the encapsulation response of P. xylostella to first instar but not to second instar parasitoid larvae. Encapsulation was never sufficient to prevent parasitoid emergence.
4. Poor host-plant suitability suppressed phenoloxidase activity in the absence of the parasitoid. The suppressive effect of C. plutellae on phenoloxidase activity was much greater and no plant effects were detectable after insects had been parasitized.
5. Despite strong plant effects on parasitism, those on immune effectors of the host were transitory or overwhelmed by the effect of the parasitoid.
6. These results demonstrated that plant-mediated variation in parasitism success by C. plutellae were not as a result of plant nutritional status or other attributes affecting the immune function of P. xylostella , nor to host-plant effects on superparasitism.
7. In these experiments, P. xylostella was a fully permissive host to C. plutellae and host-plant-mediated effects on the innate immune response appeared to play no part in parasitoid survival within hosts.     

Effects of Bt plants on the development and survival of the parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in susceptible and Bt-resistant larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

A range of crops have been transformed with delta-endotoxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to produce transgenic plants with high levels of resistance to lepidopteran pests. Parasitoids are important natural enemies of lepidopteran larvae and the effects of Bt plants on these non-target insects have to be investigated to avoid unnecessary disruption of biological control. This study investigated the effects of Cry1Ac-expressing transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) on the solitary braconid endoparasitoid Cotesia plutellae in small-scale laboratory experiments. C. plutellae is an important natural enemy of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), the most important pest of brassica crops world-wide. Bt oilseed rape caused 100% mortality of a Bt-susceptible P. xylostella strain but no mortality of the Bt-resistant P. xylostella strain NO-QA. C. plutellae eggs laid in Bt-susceptible hosts feeding on Bt leaves hatched but premature host mortality did not allow C. plutellae larvae to complete their development. In contrast, C. plutellae developed to maturity in Bt-resistant hosts fed on Bt oilseed rape leaves and there was no effect of Bt plants on percentage parasitism, time to emergence from hosts, time to adult emergence and percentage adult emergence from cocoons. Weights of female progeny after development in Bt-resistant hosts did not differ between plant types but male progeny was significantly heavier on wildtype plants in one of two experiments. The proportion of female progeny was significantly higher on Bt plants in the first experiment with Bt-resistant hosts but this effect was not observed again when the experiment was repeated.     

Differential parasitism of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae by the parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on two host plant species

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine host selection by Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov when larvae of its host, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), fed on Chinese cabbage, Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis and those fed on common cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata were provided simultaneously, and to investigate the roles of plant and host volatiles in mediating host selection. When C. plutellae were provided with equal numbers of host larvae on plants of the two species in one arena, the parasitoid parasitized 4- to 15-fold more host larvae on Chinese cabbage than on common cabbage. This preference changed little with host density. However, an experience of searching coupled with an oviposition in a host larva on a leaf of the less-preferred plant, common cabbage, significantly increased the preference for parasitizing host larvae on this plant and resulted in twice as many host larvae parasitized on this plant than on Chinese cabbage. Dual choice tests with a Y-tube olfactometer showed that plant volatiles from Chinese cabbage were more attractive to female C. plutellae than those from common cabbage when plants of both species were either intact or infested. In parallel to the increased parasitism on common cabbage following experience, oviposition in a host larva on this less-preferred plant significantly increased the response to volatiles emanating from that plant. These results indicate that host plants may strongly influence the foraging behaviour of C. plutellae, but their differential attractiveness to the parasitoid may be altered by experience of the parasitoid.     

The role of volatiles from cruciferous plants and pre-flight experience in the foraging behaviour of the specialist parasitoid Cotesia plutellae

The braconid Cotesia plutellae is an important larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major pest of crucifers in the tropics and sub-tropics. The in-flight searching behaviour of C. plutellae was investigated in a wind tunnel and the close-range attack behaviour observed in cages. The relative importance of volatile stimuli emanating from the plant-host-complex, oilseed rape (Brassica napus) – P. xylostella, in the long-range attraction of C. plutellae was investigated. Plants that were mechanically damaged, or damaged by P. xylostella larvae, were attractive to the parasitoid. Host-damaged leaves remained attractive to the parasitoid after removal of the host larvae. These results indicate that C. plutellae predominantly uses plant derived stimuli in its in-flight searching behaviour. An oviposition experience or contact with a host-damaged leaf prior to the bioassay significantly increased the response to these volatile cues. The foraging behaviour of C. plutellae is compared with other braconid larval parasitoids attacking lepidopteran hosts on crucifers.     

Non-host plant extracts reduce oviposition of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and enhance parasitism by its parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Botanical preparations, usually from non-host plants, can be used to manipulate the behaviour of insect pests and their natural enemies. In this study, the effects of extracts of Chrysanthemum morifolium, a non-host plant of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), on the olfactory and oviposition responses of this phytophagous insect and on levels of parasitism by its specialist parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) were examined, using Chinese cabbage Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis as the test host plant. Olfactometer tests showed that volatiles of chrysanthemum extract-treated host plants were less attractive to P. xylostella females than those from untreated host plants; and in contrast, volatiles of the chrysanthemum extract-treated host plants were more attractive to females of its parasitoid C. plutellae than those from untreated host plants. Oviposition preference tests showed that P. xylostella females laid only a small proportion of their eggs on chrysanthemum extract-treated host plants, while ovipositing parasitoid females parasitized a much higher proportion of host larvae feeding on the treated host plants than on untreated host plants. These results suggest that certain non-host plant compounds, when applied onto a host plant, may render the plant less attractive to a phytophagous insect but more attractive to its parasitoids. Application of such non-host plant compounds can be explored to develop push-pull systems to reduce oviposition by a pest insect and at the same time enhance parasitism by its parasitoids in crops.     

Prior flea beetle herbivory affects oviposition preference and larval performance of a potato beetle on their shared host plant

Abstract 1. The herbaceous plant Solanum carolinense (L.) (Solanaceae) is host to a number of specialist insects, including the leaf-feeding beetles Epitrix fuscula (Crotch) and Leptinotarsa juncta (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Potted individuals of S. carolinense were subjected to one of two treatments: exposure to herbivory by E. fuscula or exclusion of all herbivores. The effects of E. fuscula herbivory on larval performance and oviposition preference of L. juncta were investigated.
2. Although the masses of the L. juncta pupae did not differ between the two treatments, larvae feeding on damaged plants developed more slowly than those feeding on undamaged plants.
3. In both paired leaf choice trials and whole plant choice trials, larvae of L. juncta showed no preference for undamaged versus damaged hosts.
4. In a field transplant experiment, adult L. juncta females showed slight feeding preferences and strong oviposition preferences for undamaged plants versus plants that had been fed on by E. fuscula .
5. The results are discussed with reference to their implications for plant-mediated competition among herbivores and constraints on the evolution of plant resistance.     

外源茉莉酸诱导植物反应对菜蛾绒茧蜂寄生选择行为的影响

茉莉酸是植物体内重要的伤信号分子,向植物施用外源茉莉酸后, 可诱导植物产生各种防卫反应, 如挥发物组成发生改变等, 进而影响植食性昆虫及其天敌。该文报道用不同浓度外源茉莉酸处理白菜和甘蓝后,诱导植物反应所产生的挥发物对菜蛾绒茧蜂搜索及寄生选择行为的影响。外源茉莉酸处理白菜和甘蓝后,处理植株的挥发物对菜蛾绒茧蜂的引诱力增强;与在对照植株上相比,该蜂对经茉莉酸处理后白菜植株上的小菜蛾幼虫的寄生数显著要高。表明茉莉酸处理白菜及甘蓝后,植物诱导反应导致其挥发物的作用发生变化,进而可提高该蜂的搜索和寄生效率。     

Interspecific competition between Diadegma semiclausum Hellen (Hym., Ichneumonidae) and Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Hym., Braconidae) in parasitizing Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidea)

Abstract:  Interspecific competition between Diadegma semiclausum and Cotesia plutellae was investigated at 25°C in the laboratory, by exposing the third instar larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella to both species together, either species alone or by exposing the host larvae already parasitized by one species, at different intervals, to the other. When host larvae were exposed simultaneously to two species in one arena, parasitism rates of the host by each species were not reduced by the presence of the other species; joint parasitism rate by two species was not significantly higher than that by either parasitoid alone. Both parasitoids could lay eggs into the host larvae which had previously been parasitized by the other species, leading to the occurrence of multiparasitized hosts. When host larvae were parasitized first by D. semiclausum and then being followed within 1–2 h by exposing to C. plutellae , or vice versa, ensuing parasitoid cocoons from the multiparasitized host larvae were nearly all C. plutellae . When host larvae were parasitized initially by C. plutellae and then being followed by D. semiclausum two or more days later, all parasitoids ensued from the multiparasitized hosts were C. plutellae . In contrast, when host larvae were parasitized initially by D. semiclausum and then being followed by C. plutellae two or more days later, most host larvae could not survive to prepupae and most of the ensuing parasitoid adults from the surviving hosts were D. semiclausum . Dissections of host larvae at various time intervals after parasitization by the two parasitoids showed that development of both parasitoids in multiparasitized hosts were somewhat arrested, and that the first instar larvae of C. plutellae could initiate a physical attack on the larvae of D. semiclausum and remove the latter.     

Effects of two neem insecticide formulations on the attractiveness, acceptability and suitability of diamondback moth larvae to the parasitoid, Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren) (Hym., Ichneumonidae)

Abstract:  Behavioural responses of female Diadegma mollipla to volatiles from cabbage plants and host-infested [ Plutella xylostella (L.)] cabbage plants sprayed with two neem insecticide formulations were investigated in a Y-tube olfactometer. Parasitoids were significantly more attracted to volatiles from cabbage and host-infested cabbage sprayed with the powder formulation than to clean air. In contrast, parasitoid response to volatiles from cabbage and host-infested cabbage sprayed with the oil formulation was not significantly different from clean air. In choice tests between infested plants sprayed with water (control) or the powder formulation, parasitoids showed no preference for volatiles from either of the treatments. In similar tests with the oil formulation, parasitoids showed a preference for volatiles from control plants over plants sprayed with the oil formulation. In host acceptance and suitability tests, parasitism rates in the neem- and water-sprayed hosts were, with one exception, not significantly different. However, the neem-sprayed larvae died earlier than control larvae and were therefore not able to support parasitoid development. The implication of these findings for the combined use of neem insecticides and parasitoids in the management of P. xylostella is discussed.     

Laboratory evaluations of a wild crucifer Barbarea vulgaris as a management tool for the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The term 'dead-end trap cropping' has recently been proposed to identify a plant that is highly attractive for oviposition by an insect pest, but on which offspring of the pest cannot survive. The potential of the wild crucifer Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. to allure and serve as a dead-end trap crop for the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.), an important pest of cruciferous crops worldwide, was examined in laboratory experiments. When P. xylostella adults were provided with a dual-choice of plants of B. vulgaris, and Chinese cabbage Brassica campestris (L.), in one arena, adult moths laid 2.5-6.8 times more eggs on the former than on the latter. When P. xylostella adults were provided with a dual-choice of plants of B. vulgaris and common cabbage Brassica oleracea L., adult moths laid virtually all their eggs on the former and ignored the latter. Nearly all P. xylostella eggs laid on the three species of plants hatched successfully, but nearly all individuals on plants of B. vulgaris died as neonates or early instar larvae, while 87-100% of the larvae on Chinese cabbage and common cabbage survived to pupation. Dual choice tests with a Y-tube olfactometer showed that volatiles from B. vulgaris were much more attractive to P. xylostella adults than those from common cabbage. The results demonstrate that B. vulgaris has a great potential as a dead-end trap crop for improving management of P. xylostella. Factors that may influence the feasibility of using B. vulgaris as a trap crop in the field are discussed, and ways to utilize this plant are proposed.     

Characteristics Of Parasitism Of Plutella Xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae) By Oomyzus Sokolowskii (Hym., Eulophidae)

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted on Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov, a parasite of the crucifer pest Plutella xylostella ( L.). O. sokolowskii preferred the 3^rd and 4^th instar P. xylostella larvae over fresh pupae for parasitization. It is thus a larval parasite. Within the range of 10?C to 35?C, parasitism was positively correlated with temperature. High parasitism at temperatures of 30?C and 35?C indicates that this insect is suitable for the control of P. xylostella in the tropical lowlands. In a no- choice test where only fresh pupae of Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov, another potentially competing larval parasite of P. xylostella, were offered, O. sokolowskii failed to parasitize pupae of C. plutellae. In a choice test where the 4^th instar P. xylostella larvae and fresh C. plutellae pupae were offered, O. sokolowskii parasitized only P. xylostella larvae. This parasite, therefore, is not a hyperparasite of P. xylostella. When C. plutellae-ovvposited P. xylostella larvae were offered at intervals, O. sokolowskii, parasitized only freshly oviposited host larvae. The longer the period that elapsed after C. plutellae oviposition of P. xylostella larvae, the lesser was the parasitism of these larvae by O. sokolowski.     

Additive effect of teratocyte and calyx fluid from Cotesia plutellae on immunosuppression of Plutella xylostella

Abstract.  Teratocytes are cells that originate from the extra-embryonic tissues of some hymenopteran parasitoids, typically dissociate upon hatching, and develop in the host haemolymph. They are considered to be involved in parasitoid larval nutrient uptake, host immunosuppression and/or repression of competing parasitoid development. Teratocytes of the parasitoid, Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are found in its natural host, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and can be cultured in vitro . The present study demonstrates that teratocytes of C. plutellae possess a significantly depressive effect on host cellular immunity. When the hosts are preinjected with 200 cultured teratocytes (corresponding to the normal number of teratocytes released during wasp hatching), haemocyte nodulation is inhibited by approximately 40%, with younger teratocytes being more potent than older ones. Similarly, the medium in which teratocytes are cultured has similar immunosuppressive properties. In comparison, calyx fluid extracted from the C. plutellae ovary also has an immunosuppressive effect on P. xylostella . These two maternal (calyx fluid) and embryonic (teratocytes) factors are additive and result in a reduced level of nodule formation equivalent to that induced by natural parasitization. However, the immunosuppression of the parasitized P. xylostella does not appear to be due to inhibition of phospholipase A₂, an immune mediator, because injection of arachidonic acid failed to restore haemocyte nodulation capability.     

高效液相色谱法检测菜蛾绒茧蜂幼虫体内多杀菌素残留

应用高效液相色谱法检测施用于寄主幼虫的多杀菌素可否传递到在其体内发育的寄生蜂幼虫。以对多杀菌素高抗的小菜蛾Plutella xylostella幼虫作为菜蛾绒茧蜂Cotesia plutellae的寄主,待绒茧蜂发育到1龄幼虫时,将浓度为50 mg/L的多杀菌素点滴到寄主幼虫背板上,随后让寄主幼虫取食经50 mg/L多杀菌素处理过的甘蓝叶片,寄主幼虫和其体内的蜂幼虫再发育3天后,将寄主幼虫解剖取出蜂幼虫,用高效液相色谱法对经多杀菌素处理的小菜蛾幼虫体液以及绒茧蜂幼虫匀浆液进行检测,结果多杀菌素的2个活性成分spinosyn A和spinosyn D均被检测到,两者的多杀菌素残留浓度分别是2.79 mg/L和0.94 mg/L。这表明,通过寄主幼虫体壁接触和取食进入其体内的多杀菌素,可通过寄生蜂幼虫体壁浸透、蜂幼虫对寄主血淋巴的取食,或这两种途经一起进入蜂幼虫的体内,对蜂幼虫产生作用。     

Bottom-up and top-down effects in a tritrophic system: the population dynamics of Plutella xylostella (L.)–Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) on different host plants

Abstract.  1. The effects of host-plant resistance on the population dynamics of the Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., and its solitary parasitoid, Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov), were studied in replicated time-series experiments.
2. Host-plant resistance did not affect the equilibrial abundance of the Diamondback moth, but it affected the dynamics of Diamondback moth populations.
3. The mean population size of Diamondback moth showed no significant difference between Brassica rapa (a susceptible host plant) and Brassica napus (a partially resistant host plant) either in the presence or absence of the parasitoid.
4. Time-series analysis suggests that the dynamics of Diamondback moth on B. rapa were underpinned by delayed density-dependent processes. In contrast, the dynamics of the moth on B. napus were influenced by a direct density-dependent process.
5. Although measures of short-term parasitism showed a significantly higher rate of parasitism by C. plutellae on Diamondback moth feeding on B. napus compared with B. rapa , this individual performance does not translate into differences in the population dynamics. Analysis shows no significant difference in the persistence time of the population-level interaction between the host and parasitoid on the two different host plants.     

Seasonal abundance of the parasitoid complex associated with the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Hangzhou, China

An investigation of insect parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), in brassica vegetable crops in the suburbs of Hangzhou was conducted during five periods from 1989 to 1997. Eight species of primary parasitoids were recorded: Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov, Microplitis sp., Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov, Diadromus collaris (Gravenhorst), Itoplectis naranyae (Ashmead), Exochus sp. and Brachymeria excarinata Gahan. Seven species of hyperparasitoids were also collected. Rates of parasitism of eggs of P. xylostella were usually very low. However, rates of parasitism of larvae and pupae were substantial and showed two peaks each year, around June-July and September-November respectively. Rates of parasitism during peaks were usually 10-60% and reached over 80% on a few occasions. Cotesia plutellae, O. sokolowskii and D. collaris were the major larval, larval-pupal and pupal parasitoids respectively. In the field, C. plutellae was active throughout the year. Oomyzus sokolowskii was active from May to October, entered a quiescent pupal stage in October-November to overwinter and did not emerge until next April-May. Diadromus collaris was recorded from April to July and October. Rates of parasitism of P. xylostella in radish and mustard fields were usually higher than those in cabbage and Chinese cabbage fields in the same locality. Negative correlations of parasitism rates between C. plutellae and O. sokolowskii indicate a competitive relationship for host larvae between these two larval parasitoids.     

Hymenopteran parasitoids of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Ypeunomutidae) in northern Thailand

Larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Ypeunomutidae), cause severe economic damage to cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata (Brassicaceae) and related vegetables in Thailand. Overuse of broad-spectrum insecticides for diamondback moth control is a serious problem and has obscured the contributions of indigenous parasitoids. Our objectives were to identify indigenous diamondback moth parasitoids in northern Thailand and to assess their potential for natural control. Six parasitoid species were reared from diamondback moth larvae and pupae collected in 1990 and in 2003-2004. These included the larval parasitoid Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Braconidae), a larval-pupal parasitoid Macromalon orientale Kerrich (Ichneumonidae), and pupal parasitoids Diadromus collaris Gravenhorst (Ichneumonidae) and Brachymeria excarinata Gahan (Chalcididae). Single specimens of Isotima sp. Forster (Ichneumonidae) and Brachymeria lasus Walker (Chalcididae) also were reared from diamondback moth hosts. C. plutellae was the dominant larval parasitoid and was often reared from host larvae collected from fields sprayed regularly with insecticides; parasitism ranged from 14 to 78%. Average parasitism by M. orientale was only 0.5-6%. Parasitism of host pupae by D. collaris ranged from 9 to 31%, whereas B. excarinata pupal parasitism ranged from 9 to 25%. An integrated pest management (IPM) protocol using simple presence-absence sampling for lepidopterous larvae and the exclusive use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem resulted in the highest yields of undamaged cabbage compared with a control or weekly sprays of cypermethrin (local farmer practice). IPM programs focused on conservation of local diamondback moth parasitoids and on greater implementation of biological control will help alleviate growing public concerns regarding the effects of pesticides on vegetable growers and consumers.     

Effects of contact, oral and persistent toxicity of selected pesticides on Cotesia plutellae (Hym., Braconidae), a potential parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae)

Cotesia plutellae (Kurd.) is an important larval parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (L.). Effects of contact, oral and persistent toxicity of field doses of selected pesticides on immature and mature stages of this useful wasp were determined in controlled conditions. Contact toxicity tests showed that cartap 75% SG, chlorfenapyr 10% F, emamectin benzoate 1% EC, permethrin 20% EC, chlorfluazuron 5% EC, flufenoxuron 10% EC, and teflubenzuron 5% EC were found to be selective against the cocoon stage. In contrast, contact toxicity of four insecticides viz., cartap 75% SG, chlorfenapyr 10% F, emamectin benzoate 1% EC, permethrin 20% EC were found to be moderately to extremely toxic (80% to 100% lethal) to wasp stage. Effects of oral toxicity of three IGRs on wasp stage were somewhat selective. However, beneficial performance of wasps seems to be adversely affected as host parasitism was recorded as being significantly different ( P  < 0.05) in comparison with control. A persistent toxic effect of insecticides via cabbage leaves discs against female wasps showed that cartap 75% SG was moderately persistent (16–30 days). While chlorfenapyr 10% F and emamectin benzoate 1% EC were recorded slightly to be persistent (5–10 days) and permethrin seems to be short lived (< 5 days). Implications of tested products in IPM of cabbage are discussed.     

Conflicts between a fungal entomopathogen, Zoophthora radicans, and two larval parasitoids of the diamondback moth

Zoophthora radicans (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales), Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are all natural enemies of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae). Adult C. plutellae are not susceptible to Z. radicans infection but the pathogen can infect and kill adult D. semiclausum. Infection of adult D. semiclausum prior to exposure to P. xylostella host larvae significantly reduced the number of parasitoid cocoons subsequently developing from the host larvae. Although Z. radicans infection of P. xylostella larvae prior to parasitism by D. semiclausum or C. plutellae always resulted in the death of the immature parasitoids, neither species discriminated between healthy and Z. radicans-infected host larvae in an oviposition choice experiment. However, host larvae recently killed by Z. radicans were always rejected by D. semiclausum but sometimes accepted by C. plutellae. At 20 degrees C, egg to pupa development took 6.7 and 7.8 days for D. semiclausum and C. plutellae, respectively. C. plutellae parasitism significantly increased host instar duration but D. semiclausum parasitism did not. Cadavers of P. xylostella larvae parasitized 1 day prior to fungal infection showed no reduction in Z. radicans conidia yield. However, cadavers of larvae parasitized 3 days prior to fungal infection demonstrated a marked decrease in Z. radicans conidia yield. Z. radicans infection of P. xylostella larvae < or = 4 days after parasitism resulted in 100% parasitoid mortality; thereafter, the reduction in parasitoid cocoon yield decreased as the time between parasitism and initiation of fungal infection increased. The extended duration of the host larval stage induced by C. plutellae parasitism increased the availability of the parasitoid to the pathogen. Estimates of interspecific competition indicated a similar pattern for the interaction between Z. radicans and each species of parasitoid.     

Consequences of constitutive and induced variation in the host's food plant quality for parasitoid larval development

Constitutive and induced changes in plant quality impact higher trophic levels, such as the development of parasitoids, in different ways. An efficient way to study how plant quality affects parasitoids is to examine how the parasitoid larva is integrated within the host during the growth process. In two experiments, we investigated the effects of varying nutritional quality of Brassica oleracea on parasitoid larval development inside the host, the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). First, we compared larval growth of the specialist Diadegma semiclausum and the generalist Diadegma fenestrale, when the host was feeding on Brussels sprout plants that were either undamaged or were previously induced by caterpillar damage. Larvae of the generalist D. fenestrale showed lower growth rates than larvae of the specialist D. semiclausum, and this difference was more pronounced on herbivore-induced plants, suggesting differences in host-use efficiency between parasitoid species. The growth of D. semiclausum larvae was also analyzed in relation to herbivore induction on Brussels sprouts and on a wild B. oleracea strain. Parasitoid growth was more depressed on induced than on undamaged control plants, and more on wild cabbage than on Brussels sprouts, which was largely explained by differences in host mass. The effects of induction of wild Brassica on parasitoid development were pronounced early on, but as P. xylostella feeding began inducing the previously undamaged control plants, the effect of induction disappeared, revealing a temporal component of plant-parasitoid interactions. This study demonstrates how insights into the physiological aspects of host-parasitoid interactions can improve our understanding of the effects of plant-related traits on parasitoid wasps.