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Host selection and parasitism behavior of lysiphlebus testaceipes: Role of plant, aphid species and instar

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Hopkinson, J. E., Zalucki, M. P. and Murray, D.A.H. (2013) Host selection and parasitism behavior of lysiphlebus testaceipes: Role of plant, aphid species and instar. Biological Control, 64 (3). pp. 283-290. ISSN 10499644 (ISSN)

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2012.11.016

Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049964412002629

Abstract

The aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes is a potentially valuable biological control agent of Aphis gossypii a major worldwide pest of cotton. One means of increasing the abundance of a biological control agent is to provide an alternative host habitat adjacent to cropping, from which they can provide pest control services in the crop. Host selection and parasitism rate of an alternative host aphid, Aphis craccivora by L. testaceipes were studied in a series of experiments that tested its host suitability relative to A. gossypii on cotton, hibiscus and mungbean. Host acceptance, as measured by number of ovipositions was much greater in A. craccivora compared to A. gossypii, while more host aphids were accepted on mungbean than cotton. When given a choice L. testaceipes attacks more 4th instar and adult stages (63% and 70%, respectively) of both hosts than 2nd instar nymphs (47%). In a switching (host choice) experiment, L. testaceipes preferentially attacked A. craccivora on mungbean over A. gossypii on cotton. Observations of parasitoid contact with A. gossypii cornicle secretion suggest it provides a useful deterrent against parasitoid attack. From these experiments it appears L. testaceipes has a preference for A. craccivora and mungbean compared to A. gossypii and cotton, in this respect using A. craccivora and mungbean as alternative habitat may not work as the parasitoid is unlikely to switch away from its preferred host. © 2012.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Crop and Food Science
Keywords:Aphid Aphis craccivora Aphis gossypii Cotton Host acceptance Host defense Parasitoid Aphididae Gossypium hirsutum Hibiscus Lysiphlebus testaceipes
Subjects:Plant pests and diseases > Pest control and treatment of diseases. Plant protection > Organic plant protection. Biological control
Plant pests and diseases
Science > Entomology
Live Archive:17 Sep 2013 05:34
Last Modified:20 Feb 2023 02:01

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