Abstract
The reproductive performance of the ecto-larval parasitoid Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as well as its host; the olive leaf moth Palpita unionalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied in the laboratory at 27 ± 2 oC. The P. unionalis is an important pest on olives, and also feeds on other host plants from the family Oleaceae. The estimated life table parameter was the net reproductive rate (Ro), the mean generation time (T), the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ). This parameter was represented by 68.28, 20.01, 0.15, 1.17 for B. hebetor and 68.54, 32.09, 0.13 and 1.14 for P. unionalis, respectively. Females of the parasitoid lived for 21.8 ±1.97 days. The average number of eggs oviposited by females was 365.6 ±44.94. Immature survival from egg to adult was 41%. Sex ratio of wasp progeny (females/total) was 0.46. P. unionalis females lived on average for 9.10 ±0.35 days and deposited 179.98 ± 22.64 eggs/female. Survival rate for immature was 68%. Sex ratio of progeny was 0.55. The results concluded of this study can be used to improve mass rearing programs and support in oculative release applications of B. hebetor against the olive leaf moth.
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