Effect of ultrasound on the parasitoid wasp, Telenomus busseolae (Hym.: Plathygasteridae) for potential integrated applying against Sesamia cretica under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The parasitoid wasp, Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hymenoptera: Plathygasteridae), has been extensively used to biological control of Sesamia cretica Led. (Hymenoptera: Plathygasteridae) in Khuzestan province, Iran. Due to dramatically population growth of S. cretica, the parasitoid wasp has not effectively controlled the pest during some seasons. Previous studies implicated physical control of S. cretica can be achieved using ultrasound. In this investigation, the effectivness of ultrasound on S. cretica to parasitism ability, sex ratio and distribution pattern of T. busseolae were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that the ultrasound at frequency 37.5 KHz and Sin (X) wave shape has not significant effect on the wasp parasitism during various activity days. The parasitoid wasp treatment by the ultrasound did not significantly influenced the wasp sex ratio during 4 generations. Investigation on distribution pattern of exposed wasp showed that the wasp has random pattern, similar to control. The study indicated that T. busseolae cannot distinguish the ultrasound. Therefore, physical control of S. cretica using the ultrasound (at frequency 37.5 KHz and Sin (x) wave shape) has not any antagonistic effect to biological control by T. busseolae and the compatible strategies can be applied in integrated control of S. cretica.