Control potential of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) against Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Abstract

The control potential of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) against Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) was evaluated in laboratory. The longevity and progeny production of A. calandrae were investigated at 25, 30, and 35 °C. Parasitism preference of A. calandrae to different life stages of L. serricorne was studied at the parasitoid-to-host ratio of 1:15. Effectiveness of A. calandrae against L. serricorne larvae was investigated at different parasitoid-to-host ratios of 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20, 1:25, 1:30, 1:35, and 1:40 for 24, 48, and 72 h at a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h, 28 ± 2 °C, and 75 ± 5% RH. Effectiveness of A. calandrae against L. serricorne larvae was also evaluated at different volumes (10, 55, 100, 150, 200, 250, 1500, and 2800 ml) of glass vials when the parasitoid-to-host ratio was 1:15. The favorable temperature for survival and progeny production of female A. calandrae was 25 °C. Female A. calandrae could parasitize mature larvae of L. serricorne and produce their offspring during the whole adult stage of the wasp. Female A. calandrae could control 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-week-old mature larvae and pupae of L. serricorne. Anisopteromalus calandrae offspring only emerged from 6-week-old mature larvae and pupae of L. serricorne. The parasitoid-to-host ratio and space size dramatically affected the parasitism rate of A. calandrae against L. serricorne and the number of A. calandrae offspring. These results suggest that A. calandrae has great potential for controlling L. serricorne infestation.