Marking Trichogramma brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) with Fluorescent Marker Dust and its Effect on Survival and Flight Behavior

Abstract

A marking technique for Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko was developed using a fluorescent marker dust deposited in 29.5-ml clear plastic cups. Three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg) and 2 methods (wet and dry) to deliver the fluorescent dye were used. Adult T. brassicae were allowed to self-mark in dye-treated cups for 1 h before assessment of survival, mark retention, and flight behavior. Marking did not affect T. brassicae survival. Average survival time ranged from 63 to 74 h in the dry marked method, 72 to 84 in the wet method, and 48 to 98 h in the control. The 2 methods differed significantly in the number of individuals that retained a mark for at least 24 h. In the dry method, 65-86% were marked versus 8-23% in the wet method. Flight response in individuals marked by the dry method was depressed significantly at the highest dose but unaffected in wasps marked by the wet method. The potential uses and limitation of these techniques are discussed.