Effect of Magnetic Field on Corcyra cephalonica Eggs for Parasitization by Trichogramma chilonis

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of permanent magnetic field on Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs and effect on parasitisation by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. Corcyra eggs were exposed to magnetic field for different time periods. It was observed that three hours magnetized eggs were significantly more preferred for parasitisation and revealed maximum adult emergence (76.23%, 98.67%) than non-magnetized Corcyra eggs (63.50%, 85.96%). When UV irradiated Corcyra eggs were kept under magnetic field for parasitisation, with increase in the time of exposure to magnetic field, parasitisation also increases along with adult emergence (89.85%, 97.16%) up to 3 hr. Then, it gradually decreases as compared with control (86.80%, 94.54%). Thus, 3 hr magnetized Corcyra eggs prevent the emergence of larva and was preferred by Trichogramma for maximum parasitisation and adult emergence.