Persistence of Edovum puttleri (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Potato Plants and Parasitism of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Effects of Resource Availability and Weather

Abstract

The persistence and distribution of Edovum puttleri Grissell, an egg parasitoid of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), on potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) plants with different host resources were quantified. E. puttleri were released into 1.5-m3 field cages enclosing pairs of potato plants with different combinations of host eggs, aphids producing honeydew, or without these resources. Observations every 2 h throughout the day revealed that the parasitoids spent more time during peak foraging periods on plants with aphids or host eggs, or both. However, the percentage of parasitism and mortality of beetle egg masses was not significantly higher on plants with aphids. The relationship between parasitism and mortality of beetle eggs by E. puttleri and weather conditions were analyzed.