Author: Rundle, B. J.; Hoffmann, A. A.

Year: 2003

Title: Overwintering of Trichogramma funiculatum carver (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) under semi-natural conditions

Journal: Environmental Entomology

Volume: 32

Pages: 290-298

Date: Apr

Abstract: Overwintering of Trichogramma (Trichogrammanza) funculatatum Carver was studied under seminatural temperate conditions by considering development time within eggs of the light brown apple moth. Epiphyas postvittana. and survival of adult wasps. Maximum and minimum mean development times were 84 and 63,6 d. respectively, for egg masses parasitized in early winter, and 72.6 and 31.5 d, respectively. for eggs parasitized mid-winter. Adults survived a maximum of 20 d in early winter and 22 d mid-winter. Material age did not influence either the development time or longevity of progeny. The lower temperature threshold at which T. funiculatum parasitized host eggs was between 8degreesC and 9degreesC. The relationship between and development time in the laboratory was successfully used to predict the emergency of T. funiculatum at low temperatures and under the seminatural conditions. This implies that there is no diapanse in T. funiculatum. Instead this species overwinters via it combination of slow development, or quiescence. coupled with increased adult longevity, This information should be useful in enhancing populations of this populations of this parasitoid in spring when T funiculatum can suppress light brown apple moth and other pests.