Flowering plant effects on adults of the stink bug parasitoid Aridelus rufotestaceus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract

Many parasitoids require food resources, such as nectar and pollen, besides hosts in order to optimize their life histories. This requirement has led to an interest in using these food resources in pest management. Here we assess the potential effects of two flowering plants, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.), a 5% honey solution, and water (control) on the longevity and fecundity of Aridelus rufotestaceus (Tobias), an important parasitoid of stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.). G. pulchella and 5% honey solution significantly increased A. rufotestaceus fecundity compared to water (P=0.017), with G. pulchella exhibiting the highest fecundity (138±3 eggs), followed by 5% honey solution (134±6 eggs), F. esculentum (123±5 eggs), and water (109±3 eggs). G. pulchella, F. esculentum, and 5% honey solution significantly increased longevity of A. rufotestaceus relative to water (P<0.0001), with G. pulchella yielding the highest longevity (11±1d), followed by 5% honey solution (10±1d), F. esculentum (9±1d), and water (4±0d). Body sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose) of A. rufotestaceus did not vary significantly among treatments after 24h of parasitoid exposure to the treatments immediately after adult emergence. These results imply that F. esculentum and G. pulchella can benefit A. rufotestaceus for managing N. viridula.