Biological aspects and populational preference of Cotesia flavipes between Diatraea saccharalis and Diatraea flavipennella

Abstract

Biological aspects of wild and laboratory-reared populations of Cotesia flavipes was assessed parasitizing Diatraea saccharalis and Diatraea flavipennella. The experiments were conducted using a climate-controlled room adjusted to 26 ± 2 °C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10%, and 12:12 h (Light: Dark) photoperiod. The choice and no-choice tests were run using arenas holding infested pieces of stalks with parasitoid release inside the arena and allowed a searching time of 6 h. After this period, the stalks were opened and the larvae single reared until molting to pupa or forming parasitoid pupae. An experimental design completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was performed. The wild population of C. flavipes exhibited preference and better performance parasitizing D. flavipennella. Research to evaluate the parasitism efficiency and quality of the parasitoids crossing wild and laboratory populations of C. flavipes is necessary to enhance field release success.