Reproductive Properties of Trichogramma chilonis Females on Diamondback Moth Eggs

Abstract

The effects of temperature on the reproductive properties of Trichogramma chilonis females developed in Plutella xylostella eggs (TC-DBM) were compared with those developed in Ephestia kuehniella eggs (TC-MFM) by rearing with diamondback moth (DBM) eggs at constant temperatures of 20°C, 24°C, 28°C and 32°C under 16L-8D. For both TC-MFM and TC-DBM, the daily egg production peaked on the first day after emergence, and adult longevity was reduced as the temperature increased from 24°C to 32°C. The number of eggs laid throughout the lifetime was a maximal at 24°C. Despite a lack of significant difference in the properties mentioned above between TC-DBM and TC-MFM which developed at 24°C, the number of matured eggs in the ovary at emergence as well as the number of eggs laid on the initial day after emergence of TC-DBM was significantly smaller than for TC-MFM. The method of utilization of the parasitoid in a biological control program against DBM is also discussed based on the reproductive properties of the parasitoid. © 1995, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.