Performance of Trichogramma galloi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of Trichogramma galloi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Diatraea flavipennella and D. saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), as well as the biological characteristics of the parasitoid in both hosts, and to elaborate the fertility life table. For this, tests with and without choice and bioassays to evaluate the biological characteristics of the parasitoid in both hosts were performed. The fertility life table was developed through daily parasitism of T. galloi females on the hosts. The percentage results of parasitism in free-choice tests showed a better acceptance by T. galloi concerning eggs of D. flavipennella. Regarding the biological parameters of the parasitoid in both species, there was no significant difference. Fertility life table results show that D. flavipennella and D. saccharalis allow population increase for T. galloi. The parasitoid T. galloi has satisfactory performance in both hosts, and is a potential control agent for these species