Biology, rearing and field release on Guam of Euplectrus maternus, a parasitoid of the fruit-piercing moth, Eudocima fullonia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2004

Abstract

The eulophid parasitoid, Euplectrus maternus, is a gregarious ectoparasitoid of the larvae of the fruit-piercing moth, Eudocima (Othreis) fullonia. This parasitoid is indigenous to India and was released into Guam in 1998-99 to aid in the biological control of E. fullonia, an important pest of ripe guava, banana, mango, pomegranate, litchi, papaya, tomato, orange and other fruit crops. In the laboratory, biology and rearing of E. maternus on the larvae of E. fullonia were studied. In no-choice tests, oviposition by E. maternus was significantly greater on first and second instar larvae than on third instar larvae. However, in free-choice tests, oviposition by E. maternus was significantly greater on second instar larvae, followed by first and third instar larvae. This parasitoid did not lay eggs on later instars, either in no-choice or free-choice tests. Females laid a significantly greater number of eggs (>80%) on the dorsal surface of the larvae than on either lateral or ventral surfaces (1 to 8%). In general, more eggs were laid on abdominal segments 1-3 on larval instars one to three. The survival of the immature stages (from egg to adult) of E. maternus on second instar E. fullonia larvae was 61%, which was significantly greater than the survival rates on first and third instar larvae (32% and 26%), indicating that second instar host larvae are ideal for mass rearing of the parasitoid. Mated female E. maternus continuously laid eggs on the second instar larvae of E. fullonia for up to 30 days, but the greatest number of eggs were laid during the first week after exposure. When E. maternus laid more than two eggs on host larva, more female progeny were produced, indicating female-biased reproduction. Adult parasitoids lived longer when fed with a honey: water (50% w/v) solution than with pure honey. Similarly, the fecundity of females increased significantly when fed with the honey-water solution when compared to feeding with pure honey. To date, E. maternus has not established in Guam.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

BioControl

First Page

537

Last Page

551

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