Abstract
The chalcid wasp Tetrastichus septentrionalis Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is one of the dominant pupal parasitoids of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). In this study, the photoperiod's effect on diapause induction in T. septentrionalis using the alternative host Tenebrio molitor was measured, revealing that T. septentrionalis is of the long-day type. The critical photoperiods for diapause induction in T. septentrionalis were estimated to be between photoperiods of 13:11 and 14:10 (L:D) h at 18 °C, and between photoperiods of 12:12 and 13:11 (L:D) h at 21 °C and 24 °C. We also found that T. septentrionalis diapausing larvae were grey-brown, while normally developed (non-diapausing) individuals were light yellow. The diapause-sensitive insect state was the larval stage, and the short light exposure treatment had a significant cumulative effect on diapause induction. The least squares method was used to calculate a lower developmental threshold of 13.34 ± 0.50 °C and an effective cumulative temperature of 184.46 ± 11.46 d·°C for post-diapause development. The average supercooling point of diapausing mature larvae was significantly lower than that of non-diapausing ones. Our research on T. septentrionalis provides a reference for the biological control of H. cunea and other leaf-eating pests.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.