Abstract

BAJONERO, Johanna et al. Biology and life cicle of Apanteles gelechiidivoris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitoid of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Agron. colomb. [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.3, pp.417-426. ISSN 0120-9965.

Apanteles gelechiidivoris is a larvae parasitoid of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), an important pest for crops such as tomatoes and potatoes. The use of this insect as a controller has not been implemented efficiently due to the lack of knowledge of their biology, specifically their life cycle and the effect of external factors, such as the temperature in its parasitic capacity. The development and reproductive capacity of A. gelechiidivoris was evaluated in four thermal conditions: 14, 20, 26 and 32 °C. For the development assessment a cycle description was performed to determine the total cycle duration. Thermal thresholds for each state were estimated using the Lactin model and day degrees were found. To assess the reproductive capacity, different densities of the host were offered to a pair of recently emerged wasp of 5 until 160. The number of emerged adults was counted, and longevity and fertility of the emerged was evaluted. Additionally, an adjustment of a functional response model was made. Duration of the life cycle for temperatures was evaluated: from 39 days at 14 °C, 34 to 20 °C, 19 to 26 °C and 17 to 32 °C. The longevity was 7.5 (14 °C), 7 (20 °C), 5 (26 °C) and 2.4 (32 °C) days. The temperature at which you can optimize reproductive parameters of this wasp is between 20 and 26 °C.

Keywords : Apanteles gelechiidivoris; functional response; day degree; thermal range; life cycle.

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