Preference study of Trichogramma pintoi (Voegele) (Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae) on host eggs of different ages and species

Abstract

Eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Cadra cautella (Walker) and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) are host of parasitoid Trichogramma pintoi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) which is used in biological control of pests. In this study, the host species and egg age preferences were determined in the parasitization performance of the adult female of T. pinto. For host species and egg age preference, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days old eggs from three different hosts were given to the parasitoid which were kept in controlled conditions until they hatched and then counted. Adult T. pintoi species were also stored at 4±1 °C up to 4 days. It was determined that the fecundity and life span of female parasitoids decreased as the storage period increased. T. pintoi was found to prefer up to 1 day eggs old in all three hosts. Parasitoid preferred 2, 3, and 4 days old eggs of all host species at the similar rates. Eggs of E. kuehniella and C. cautella were determined as the most preferred host, followed by eggs of P. interpunctella. Adult T. pintoi females stored for 1 day were found as the most surviving female individuals. The highest parasitization rate was also determined in females stored for 1 day. Host species, egg age preference and storage time of adult parasitoid are thought to be very important in mass production and release studies of T. pintoi.