Performance of parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead parasitizing Myzus persicae fed on artificial media

Abstract

Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead is an economically important aphid parasitoid, particularly for pest Myzus persicae. The aim of the study was to feed M. persicae using a formulated artificial medium instead of tobacco to maintain parasitoid A. gifuensis in winter. The development, survival and reproduction of M. persicae fed with four artificial media (AM1-AM4), as well as the parasitism, emergence and longevity of A. gifuensis when reared on F3 M. persicae fed with AM1, were assessed. Over 15 days of the study, the survival rates of A. gifuensis for the AM1 and AM2 treatments were significantly greater than those for the AM3 and AM4 treatments. The highest fecundity of F1 A. gifuensis females was observed on AM1 feeding. No differences were noted in survival rate, development or nymph production between F2 and F3 M. persicae fed with AM1. No differences were recorded in the number of mummies, parasitism rate, adult longevity or proportion of A. gifuensis females between Treatment I (A. gifuensis parasitizing AM1-reared M. persicae) and the control. However, the emergence rate of Treatment I was lower than that of the control. The rearing of A. gifuensis on M. persicae fed with an artificial medium was found to be a feasible proposition. This could save time, space and cost compared with traditional production methods.