Effect of Different Constant Temperatures on Life History and Life Table Parameters of Trichogramma euproctidis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Abstract

Temperature has a profound effect on performance and behavior of egg parasitoids. Egg parasitoids are a well-known alternative for the control of lepidopterous pests. Selected life history parameters of Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an established egg parasitoid species in Khuzestan- Southwest Iran, were appraised at eight constant temperatures (22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, and 40°C) using Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs as the host. We found significant effects of temperature on the number of parasitized eggs, development time, sex ratio, progeny’s longevity, and fecundity. T. euproctidis developed on E. kuehniella eggs at all temperatures tested, but performed best at 32.5°C. At this temperature, they parasitized the most eggs, produced the most female progeny, and had high rates of survival. Our findings revealed that temperature significantly affected the longevity of female progeny and fecundity of T. euproctidis. A life table analysis confirmed that temperature resulted in optimal effects on T. euproctidis life history. Net reproductive rate (R0) of T. euproctidis was different among the temperatures tested. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was positively correlated with temperature from 22.5 to 32.5°C and then decreased from 35 to 40°C. Generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) decreased as temperature increased from 22.5 to 37.5°C and then increased at 40°C. These data suggest that this strain of T. euproctidis is adapted to high temperatures and harsh environmental conditions and has the potential to be used in integrated management programs in Southwest Iran.

Biotic and abiotic factors that affect parasitism in Trichogramma pintoi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as a biocontrol agent against Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

“…Trichogramma species are known to prefer young host eggs (Hou et al 2018, Tabebordbar et al 2022b) and parasitize significantly fewer eggs with increasing host age (Myint et al 2022), as was shown in T. pintoi parasitizing H. vitessoides eggs of different ages in our study. We noted no significant differences in the T. pintoi emergence rate and percentage of F1 females among H. vitessoides eggs of different ages in this study.…”

Prediction of the potential distribution area of Spodoptera frugiperda and its parasitic wasp, Trichogramma pretiosum

“…At 30−40°C, the distribution probability of S. frugiperda reached the peak. When the ambient temperature is 22.5−32.5°C, the reproductive rate of T. pretiosum is positively correlated with the temperature, and the maximum amount of eggs is laid at 32.5°C (Tabebordbar et al, 2022).…”

Life Table Construction under Different Temperatures and Insecticide Susceptibility Analysis of Uroleucon formosanum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

“…Temperature is a crucial factor affecting insect development, fecundity behavior and fitness [ 19 , 20 ]. Insect life tables have been extensively used to analyze and understand the effects of environmental factors, including temperature, on the survival, growth, and reproduction of insects [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Life tables have also been widely applied in the study of insect population ecology and pest management.…”