Parasitism capacity of Trichogramma pratissolii Querino & Zucchi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on alternative hosts, under different temperatures

The successful use of Trichogramma as biocontrol agent depends on its mass production in laboratory, a fundamental step for any biological control program among other factors. This work investigated the parasitism capacity of Trichogramma pratissolii Querino & Zuchi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), a new recorded Trichogramma species, parasitizing eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) and Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under the temperatures of 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 and 33 degree Celsius. Eggs of these hosts were offered to newly emerged females during 24h. This procedure was repeated daily for each female and each temperature up to female death, in order to estimate daily and accumulated parasitism, and female longevity. On both hosts, the daily parasitism decreased as function of the female age. Under all temperatures studied and both hosts the highest rate of parasitism was observed during the first 24h of host exposure, and reached 80% of total parasitism in the 4th and 3rd days when parasitizing A. kuehniella and C. cephalonica, respectively. On both hosts, the highest parasitism rate was observed under temperatures from 21 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius. Average longevities of T. pratissolii females deprived of food emerging from A. kuehniella and C. cephalonica lived for 1.0 and 8.9 days when reared at 15 degree Celsius e 33 degree Celsius, respectively. The results indicate that eggs of A. kuehniella and C. cephalonica and temperatures from 21 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius were appropriate to rear T. pratissolii.     

Biology and thermal requirements of Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) parasitizing eggs of Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The development and parasitism of Diaphania hyalinata L. eggs by Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner and its thermal requirements were studied at the temperatures of 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 and 33 degrees C. Thirty eggs of D. hyalinata were exposed to three females of T. atopovirilia for 5h at 25 degrees C and incubated at the different temperatures. The developmental time from egg exposure to adult, parasitism viability, number of adults per parasitized host egg and progeny sex ratio were monitored. The developmental time from egg to adult emergence of the parasitoid exhibited inverse relationship to the temperature, lasting 24.12 days at 18 degrees C and 7.36 days at 33 degrees C. Parasitism viability at 24, 27 and 30 degrees C was higher than 90%. The ratio of T. atapovirilia adult produced per egg and its sex ratio were not affected when using D. hialynata as host. The lowest threshold temperature (Tb) and estimated degree-days over Tb required by T. atopovirilia to develop on eggs of D. hyalinata was 11.99 degrees C and 130.42 masculine C, respectively. Considering the temperature regimes of two areas where cucurbitaces are cultivated in Bahia State (Rio Real and Inhambupe County) it was estimated that T. atopovirilia can achieve more than 32 generation per year. The results suggest that T. atopovirilia has potential to control D. hyalinata eggs with better chance of success under temperature regimes ranging from 24 to 27 degrees C that meets the suitable field conditions for cropping cucurbitaces.     

Life table studies of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on sugarcane

The lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Reproductive and life table parameters for E. lignosellus were examined at nine constant temperatures from 13 to 36 °C with sugarcane as the larval food source. The pre- and postoviposition periods decreased with increasing temperatures and reached their minimums at 33 and 36 °C, respectively. The oviposition period was longest at 27 °C. The mean fecundity, stage-specific survival, stage-specific fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were greatest at 30 °C and decreased with increasing or decreasing temperature. The net reproductive rate was greatest at 27 °C. The Logan-6 model best described the relationship between temperature and intrinsic rate of increase. The generation and population doubling times were longest at 13 and shortest at 33 and 30 °C, respectively. The most favorable temperatures for E. lignosellus population growth were between 27 and 33°C. Life table parameters for E. lignosellus reared on sugarcane were greater than for the Mexican rice borer [Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)] reared on an artificial diet at 30 °C. The intrinsic rates of increase for the sugarcane borer [Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)] reared on sugarcane or corn were the same as for E. lignosellus reared on sugarcane at 27 °C, but the net reproductive rate was four times higher for the former than the latter borer species.     

Effect of temperature and humidity on insecticidal effect of SilicoSec against Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the insecticidal effect of the diatomaceous earth formulation SilicoSec against larvae of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in stored wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Larvae were exposed to wheat treated with SilicoSec at 400 and 800 ppm and held at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C and 55 and 75% RH. Larval mortality was assessed after 24 h, 48 h, 7 d, and 14 d of exposure in the treated wheat. At both dose rates, mortality increased with temperature, but this increase varied with the exposure interval. At short (< or = 48-h) exposures, larval mortality was significantly higher at 30 degrees C than at the other two temperatures. In contrast, no significant differences were noted between 20 and 25 degrees C. At longer exposures (> or = 7 d), the increase of temperature increased mortality at 800 ppm, but no significant differences were noted between 25 and 30 degrees C at 400 ppm. Furthermore, significant differences in larval mortality were noted between the two humidity levels, but only at exposures > or = 7 d. After 14 h of exposure, at both dose rates examined, the increase of temperature significantly decreased mortality. The results of the current study indicate that E. kuehniella is susceptible to SilicoSec, but temperature and relative humidity should be taken into consideration.     

Selectivity of neem to Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and Trichogrammatoidea annulata De Santis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and Trichogrammatoidea annulata De Santis are commonly found in avocado and persimmon orchards in northern Parana state. However, their abundance depends on whether insecticides are used or not to control the key lepidopteran pests Stenoma catenifer (Wals.) (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and Hypocala andremona (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), respectively. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of an aqueous neem seed extract (ANSE) at 15, 3 and 1.5%, and of an emulsifiable concentrate neem oil (ECNO) at 2.5, 0.5 and 0.25% on lifetime parameters of these trichogrammatids as a way of testing the feasibility of integrating the biological and chemical control methods. Chemicals were applied on Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs before or after parasitization (one, three or five days). ANSE was more deleterious to both parasitoid species than ECNO, regardless of the concentration and the time of application. The chemicals acted on a concentration and time dependent manner. Treating the host with neem before parasitism was less deleterious to wasp emergence, especially for T. annulata. Pre-treatments (24h) of the host eggs with ECNO at concentrations varying from 0.5% to 0.25% did not affect T. pretiosum longevity, but 2.5% reduced T. annulata survival. Feeding wasps with honey mixed with 0.25% ECNO negatively affected T. annulata survival.     

Insecticidal action of Annona coriacea lectin against the flour moth Anagasta kuehniella and the rice moth Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Annona coriacea lectin (ACLEC) was tested for insecticidal activity against larvae of two pyralid moths, Anagasta kuehniella and Corcyra cephalonica. ACLEC produced approximately 50% mortality and mass loss in A. kuehniella larvae when incorporated into an artificial diet at levels of 1.5% and 1.0% (w/w), respectively. In contrast, the inclusion of up to 2% ACLEC in the diet did not significantly decrease the survival or weight of C. cephalonica larvae. The nutritional indices for A. kuehniella and C. cephalonica suggested that ACLEC had a multi-mechanistic mode of action and was an antifeedant for both insects. The toxicity in A. kuehniella apparently resulted from a change in the gut membrane environment and consequent disruption of digestive enzyme recycling mechanisms. Affinity chromatography showed that ACLEC bound to midgut proteins of A. kuehniella and C. cephalonica. However, the 14 kDa subunit of ACLEC was not digested by midgut proteases of A. kuehniella, but was degraded by the corresponding C. cephalonica proteases within a few hours. These findings suggest the possibility of using ACLEC to engineer crop plants.     

Effect of host switching on performance of mass‐reared Trichogramma minutum

The effect of host switching on parasitism by Trichogramma minutum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) (TM) was examined for parasitoids attacking a factitious host, the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zell. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (MFM), and a natural host, the eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (SBW). Parasitoids that were switched from rearing on the natural host to rearing on the factitious host had lower realized fecundities on both MFM and SBW eggs than a control line that was maintained continuously on the natural rearing host, SBW eggs. Conversely, T. minutum reared on the factitious host and switched to rearing on the natural host showed greater realized fecundities. This increase in realized fecundity was lost in the first generation after switching parasitoids back to the factitious rearing host. T. minutum that were maintained on the natural rearing host (SBW eggs) showed more variation in realized fecundity and host acceptance of both MFM and SBW eggs, than parasitoids that were reared on MFM eggs.     

Changes in Biological Characteristics of Trichogramma pretiosum (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) Reared on Eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Lep.: Pyralidae) for 23 Generations

Possible changes in biological characteristics of Trichogramma pretiosum (Riley) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were monitored during 23 generations reared on eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to determine quality control parameters in rearing procedures of this parasitoid. Parasitism rates (percent of eggs parasitized) of T. pretiosum varied from 10 to 76%, with lower values for the first four generations. From the 17th generation, the variability in the parasitism rate was lower. Viability (percent adult emergence rate) of T. pretiosum in eggs of A. kuehniella varied from 22 to 100%, again with lower values in earlier generations. Adult longevity of T. pretiosum varied from 5.3 to 15.9 days, and showed a reduced longevity with increasing number of generations. Sex ratio of the offspring of this parasitoid was not affected by the timing of parasitism on eggs of A. kuehniella.     

Venturia canescens parasitizing Galleria mellonella and Anagasta kuehniella: differing suitability of two hosts with highly variable growth potential

Venturia canescens (Grav.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a solitary larval koinobiont endoparasitoid, ovipositing in several larval instars of different pyralid moth species that are pests of stored food products. After oviposition, the host larva continues to feed and grow for at least several days, the precise time doing so depending on the stage attacked. We examined the relationship between host stage and body mass on parasitoid development in late second to fifth instars of two hosts with highly variable growth potential: the wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L) and the flour moth, Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller)(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). G. mellonella is the largest known host of V. canescens, with healthy larvae occasionally exceeding 400mg at pupation, whereas those of A. kuehniella rarely exceed 40 mg at the same stage. Parasitoid survival was generally higher in early instars of G. mellonella than in later instars. By contrast, percentage adult emergence in A. kuehniella was highest in late fifth instar and lowest in late second instar. A. kuehniella was the more suitable host species, with over 45% adult emergence in all instars, whereas in G. mellonella we found less than 35% adult emergence in all instars. Adult parasitoid size increased and egg-to-adult development time decreased in a host size- and instar-specific manner from A. kuehniella. The relationship between host size and stage and these fitness correlates was less clear in G. mellonella. Although both host species were parasitized over a similar range of fresh weights, the suitability weight-range of A. kuehniella was considerably wider than G. mellonella for the successful development of V. canescens. However, in hosts of similar weight under 5 mg when parasitized, larger wasps emerged from G. mellonella than from A. kuehniella. Parasitoid growth and development is clearly affected by host species, and we argue that patterns of host utilization and resource acquisition by parasitoids have evolved in accordance with host growth potential and the nutritional requirements of the parasitoid.     

Temperature-related development of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis as forensic indicator

Development times of the forensically significant parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) from oviposition to pupation, and from oviposition to adult emergence, were studied in the laboratory at temperatures of 15-35 degrees C using host pupae of the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Total developmental time of N. vitripennis from oviposition to adult emergence (mean+/-SD) was 43.5+/-2.4, 22.5+/-1.1, 14.8+/-1.7 and 11.3+/-0.9 days when reared at 15, 20, 25 and 30 degrees C, respectively. At 35 degrees C, N. vitripennis did not develop successfully. The rate of total immature development (1/days) increased with temperature. From linear regression of development rates, it was determined that the minimum threshold (tL) for total immature development was 9.8 degrees C (approximately 10 degrees C). Above this threshold, the overall thermal constant (K) for N. vitripennis was found to be 224.3+/-1.7 degree-days.     

米蛾卵繁育的螟黄赤眼蜂的适宜冷贮温度和虫龄

为了全面评价冷贮对米蛾Corcyra cephalonica Stainton卵繁育螟黄赤眼蜂Trichogramma chilonis Ishii的影响, 本试验采用米蛾卵为寄主, 以冷贮温度（3和10℃）、 冷贮虫龄（以接蜂开始时间为起点, 接蜂后1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8和9日龄）和冷贮时间（1, 2, 3和4周）为试验因子, 研究了冷贮对螟黄赤眼蜂活蛹率、 羽化率和畸形率的影响。结果表明： 3个因素均能单独或互作显著影响活蛹率、 羽化率和畸形率（P＜0.05）。综合各冷贮虫龄对低温的反应, 螟黄赤眼蜂对3℃较敏感, 此温度下1-3日龄的活蛹率和各虫龄的羽化率均显著下降（P＜0.05）, 不适宜长期冷贮; 10℃下各虫龄的活蛹率受冷贮时间的影响不显著, 1-3日龄的羽化率受冷贮时间的影响也不显著, 冷贮4周后仍有74%以上的羽化率, 10℃适宜冷贮。不同冷贮温度下冷贮适宜虫龄不同。在10℃下, 最适冷贮虫龄是3日龄的赤眼蜂, 此虫龄不同冷贮时间的活蛹率（74.09%～77.59%）和羽化率（74.26%～90.37%）均与对照无显著差异（P>0.05）, 但显著高于其他虫龄（P＜0.05）。此虫龄在10℃下冷贮1~3周, 畸形率在27%以内。结果表明米蛾卵内螟黄赤眼蜂不同冷贮温度下适宜冷贮虫龄不同。     

Laboratory studies of Blattisocius keegani (Fox) (Acari: Ascidae) reared on eggs of navel orangeworm: potential for biological control

Blattisocius keegani (Fox) is a predatory mite in the family Ascidae (Acari), noted for potential biological control of Coleopteran stored product pests. Performance of B. keegani on eggs of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was investigated. Mites completed development from egg to adult in 9.2±0.22 days at 25°C and 50-60% relative humidity, and in 6.33±0.29 days at 32.2°C, 30% relative humidity. Mites provisioned with three or five eggs consumed a median of 1.25 to 1.5 eggs, with a maximum of three eggs consumed over 24?h. Regression analyses indicated egg-laying by B. keegani was significantly correlated with the number of A. transitella eggs consumed, and female mites laid an average of 5.82±0.44 eggs over 72?h. Blattisocius keegani, developed on fresh and frozen eggs, laid significantly more eggs when provided with fresh eggs (F3,26=6.16, P=0.0026) and were able to develop on frozen Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs as an alternative host. Mites were equally fecund when fed eggs stored at 0° or -20°C. Provisioning of adult moth bodies in addition to egg prey items increased mite fecundity, although it was demonstrated that B. keegani are phoretic on adult moths as well. The results are the first experimental evidence of B. keegani as a predator of Lepidopteran eggs, as a phoretic species, and of their potential for biological control of navel orangeworm.     

Biology and thermal exigency of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) from four bioclimatic localities of Paraíba

The present work aimed at estimating the thermal requirements for the development and the number of generations per year of Aedes aegypti (L.) under natural conditions. The life cycle of A. aegypti populations was studied at constant temperatures of 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 degrees C, and 12 h photophase. The development period, egg viability and larval and pupal survival were evaluated daily as well as adult longevity and fecundity. The low threshold temperature of development (Tb) and the thermal constant (K) were determined. The number of generations per year in laboratory and field were also estimated. The favorable temperature to A. aegypti development is between 21 degrees C and 29 degrees C, and to longevity and fecundity is between 22 degrees C and 30 degrees C. The egg to adult basal temperature, thermal constant and the number of generations in field were, in order, 9.5, 8.5, 3.4, 7.1, 13.5 degrees C; 244.5, 273.9, 298.5, 280.9 and 161.8 degree-days; and 21.9, 23.8, 24.2, 21.1 and 22.1 generations in populations from Boqueir?o, Brejo dos Santos, Campina Grande, Itaporanga and Remígio.     

繁殖寄主对赤眼蜂羧酸酯酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶的影响

通过测定赤眼蜂Trichogramma羧酸酯酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶的活性、对底物的亲和力以及对抑制剂的敏感度研究了繁殖寄主对松毛虫赤眼蜂T.dendrolimi和螟黄赤眼蜂T.chilonis的影响。柞蚕卵和米蛾卵繁殖的赤眼蜂羧酸酯酶对底物的亲和力有不同程度的影响,柞蚕卵繁殖的赤眼蜂羧酸酯酶对α-乙酸萘酯或β-乙酸萘酯的亲和力最高是米蛾卵的2倍以上。繁殖寄主对乙酰胆碱酯酶对底物亲和力没有明显的影响。米蛾卵繁殖的松毛虫赤眼蜂羧酸酯酶活性明显高于柞蚕卵繁殖的种群,而米蛾卵繁殖的螟黄赤眼蜂种群羧酸酯酶的活性明显低于柞蚕卵繁殖的种群。用柞蚕卵繁殖的松毛虫赤眼蜂种群对对氧磷的敏感度明显低于米蛾卵繁殖的种群,而增效磷则正好相反。繁殖寄主对松毛虫赤眼蜂吉林种群乙酰胆碱酯酶对DDVP和毒扁豆碱的敏感度没有明显的影响,而在松毛虫赤眼蜂广东种群和螟黄赤眼蜂中,柞蚕卵繁殖的种群乙酰胆碱酯酶对DDVP和毒扁豆碱的敏感度明显低于米蛾卵繁殖的种群。     

Biological characteristics and thermal requirements of a Brazilian strain of the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum reared on eggs of Pseudoplusia includens and Anticarsia gemmatalis

A new strain of the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum, was collected in Rio Verde County, State of Goiás, Central Brazil, and designated as T. pretiosum RV. This strain was then found to be the most effective one among several different strains of T. pretiosum tested in a parasitoid selection assay. Therefore, its biological characteristics and thermal requirements were studied, aiming at allowing its multiplication under controlled environmental conditions in the laboratory. The parasitoid was reared on eggs of Pseudoplusia includens and Anticarsia gemmatalis at different constant temperatures within an 18–32 °C temperature range. The number of annual generations of the parasitoid was also estimated at those temperatures. Results have shown that T. pretiosum RV developmental time, from egg to adult, was influenced by all temperatures tested within the range, varying from 6.8 to 20.3 days and 6.0 to 17.0 days on eggs of P. includens and A. gemmatalis, respectively. The emergence of T. pretiosum RV from eggs of A. gemmatalis was higher than 94% at all temperatures tested. When this variable was evaluated on eggs of P. includens, however, the figures were higher than that within the 18–30 °C range (more than 98%), and were also statistically higher than the emergence observed at 32 °C (90.2%). The sex ratio of the parasitoids emerged from eggs of A. gemmatalis decreased from 0.55 to 0.29 at 18–32 °C, respectively. However, for those emerged from eggs of P. includens, the sex ratio was similar (0.73, 0.72 and 0.71) at 20, 28 and 32 °C, respectively. The lower temperature threshold (Tb) and thermal constant (K) were 10.65 °C and 151.25 degree-days when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of P. includens; and 11.64 °C and 127.60 degree-days when reared on eggs of A. gemmatalis. The number of generations per month increased from 1.45 to 4.23 and from 1.49 to 4.79 when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of P. includens and A. gemmatalis, respectively, following the increases in the temperature.     

Rearing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla externa</Emphasis> Larvae on Artificial Diets

We tested three artificial diets for rearing larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), aiming at reducing the production costs of this predator. Two of the diets come from studies with other species of lacewings, and the third is a modification described in this paper. All diets were based on animal protein and were supplied to 2nd and 3rd instar larvae, whereas 1st instar larvae received eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). We evaluated the preimaginal duration and survival, adult size, longevity and fecundity, egg hatchability, and predatory capacity of larvae produced. The performance of the diets was followed for seven generations. The diet we describe showed to be the best among the artificial diets tested. Our results show that C. externa can be successfully reared on artificial diets during second and third instars, reducing in 90% the dependency on eggs of A. kuehniella.     

Effect of Temperature on Development and Fecundity of the Predaceous Plant Bug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Deraeocoris brevis</Emphasis> Reared on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ephestia kuehniella</Emphasis> Eggs

Temperature-dependent development and oviposition component models were developed for Deraeocoris brevis (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Miridae). Egg development times decreased with increasing temperature and ranged from 35.8 d at 15 °C to 6.7 d at 32 °C. Total development times of nymphs reared on frozen Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs decreased from an estimated 55.6 d at 15 °C to 9.2 d at 32 °C and 10.0 d at 34.6 °C. By fitting linear models to the data the lower developmental threshold temperatures for eggs, small nymphs (1st to 3rd instar), large nymphs (4th to 5th instar), and all nymphs combined were calculated as 10.5, 12.5, 11.8, and 11.9 °C, respectively. The thermal constants were 144.1, 90.3, 95.0, and 190.8 degree-days for each of the above stages. The non-linear model was based on a Gaussian equation, which fit the relationship between development rate and temperature well for all stages. The Weibull function provided a good fit for the distribution of development times of each stage. Adult longevity decreased with increasing temperature and ranged from 52.9 d at 21.7 to 16.8 d at 32.0 °C. D. brevis had a maximum fecundity of 471 eggs per female at 24 °C, which declined to 191 eggs per female at 32 °C. Also, three temperature-dependent components for an oviposition model of D. brevis were developed including models for total fecundity, age-specific cumulative oviposition rate, and age-specific survival rate.     

The effect of temperature and humidity on the bionomics of six African egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

The life table statistics of six native Kenyan species/strains of Trichogramma and Trichogrammatoidea were established using a factitious host Corcyra cephalonica, Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), at eight different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 28, 30, 32 and 35 degrees C) and two humidity levels (40-50 and 70-80%). The objective was to select insects with superior attributes for augmentative release against lepidopteran pests in horticultural crops. Both temperature and humidity affected developmental time and life table parameters of the parasitoids but temperature played a more critical role. Developmental time was inversely related to temperature. The intrinsic and finite rates of increase increased with temperature up to 30 degrees C. Both net reproduction rate and intrinsic rate of increase were higher at the lower humidity. Temperature inversely affected generation time of parasitoid strains regardless of the relative humidity. Two strains of Trichogramma sp. nr. mwanzai collected from both low and medium altitudes and Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea from the mid-altitudes, were better adapted to both low and high temperatures than the other strains, as indicated by the high intrinsic and net reproductive rates, at both humidity levels. These three strains appear to be promising candidates for augmentation biocontrol against the African bollworm Helicoverpa armigera in Kenya.     

Impact of fluctuating temperatures on development of the koinobiont endoparasitoid Venturia canescens

The effect of temperature on the biology of Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is well understood under constant temperature conditions, but less so under more natural, fluctuating conditions. Herein we studied the influence of fluctuating temperatures on biological parameters of V. canescens. Parasitized fifth-instar larvae of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were reared individually in incubators at six fluctuating temperature regimes (15–19.5 °C with a mean of 17.6 °C, 17.5–22.5 °C with a mean of 19.8 °C, 20–30 °C with a mean of 22.7 °C, 22.5–27.5 °C with a mean of 25 °C, 25.5-32.5 °C with a mean of 28.3 °C and 28.5–33 °C with a mean of 30 °C) until emergence and death of V. canescens adults. Developmental time from parasitism to adult eclosion, adult longevity and survival were recorded at each fluctuating temperature regime. In principle, developmental time decreased with an increase of the mean temperature of the fluctuating temperature regime. Upper and lower threshold temperatures for total development were estimated at 34.9 and 6.7 °C, respectively. Optimum temperature for development and thermal constant were 28.6 °C and 526.3 degree days, respectively. Adult longevity was also affected by fluctuating temperature, as it was significantly reduced at the highest mean temperature (7.0 days at 30 °C) compared to the lowest one (29.4 days at 17.6 °C). Survival was low at all tested fluctuating temperatures, apart from mean fluctuating temperature of 25 °C (37%). Understanding the thermal biology of V. canescens under more natural conditions is of critical importance in applied contexts. Thus, predictions of biological responses to fluctuating temperatures may be used in population forecasting models which potentially influence decision-making in IPM programs.     

The α-amylase inhibitor acarbose does not affect the parasitoid Venturia canescens when incorporated into the diet of its host Ephestia kuehniella

Amylase inhibitors (AIs) are suitable candidates for protecting plants and their products from attacks by herbivorous and granivorous insects. However, detailed studies of the suppressive effects of AIs on target and non‐target insects are necessary before their application in post‐harvest protection. To address this issue, laboratory bioassays were used to test the effect of the non‐proteinaceous inhibitor acarbose on a stored product pest, the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and its parasitoid Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Two sublethal concentrations (0.001 and 0.0001%, wt/wt) of acarbose were incorporated into the diet of parasitized and unparasitized larvae of E. kuehniella. Development time and fresh body weight of the larvae, together with the size of the wasps, were compared for insects reared on acarbose‐treated and control diets. On the diet containing 0.001% acarbose, the developmental time was longer and relative weight gains of the E. kuehniella larvae were lower, but the weight of the larvae prior to pupation was similar to that of the control. The acarbose did not have a suppressive effect on the parasitoid V. canescens; in fact the wasps that emerged from the hosts reared on a diet containing 0.0001% acarbose were on average larger and heavier than the controls. These results demonstrate that it might be possible to enhance the control of stored product pests by using both biological control and AIs.