Biocontrol Science and Technology (2012) 22, 261-270

Jeffrey Gardner, Michael P. Hoffmann, Sylvie A. Pitcher and Jan P. Nyrop (2012)
Recurrent warming to improve cold storage of Trichogrammatids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Biocontrol Science and Technology 22 (3), 261-270
Abstract: Cold storage can be used to slow development, facilitate accumulation of the organisms and accommodate fluctuating demand for augmentative biological control agents. Previous research suggested the possibility of improving cold storage of Trichogrammatids by recurrent warming, so we subjected Trichogramma ostriniae juveniles within Ephestia kuehniella host eggs to either 2°C constant or to 2°C with twice-weekly recurrent warming for 3 h to 20°C. Parasitoid subsamples were allowed to mature for 1-9 days before placement in cold storage for up to 8 weeks. Parasitism by parentals, progeny emergence and fecundity and longevity of progeny were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Relative to constant 2°C, recurrent warming generally improved emergence, fecundity and longevity, and all the response variables were affected by the interaction of temperature regimen, parasitoid maturity class, and cold storage duration. This implies the utility of recurrent warming to improve egg parasitoid performance and for extending the duration of cold storage.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jan P. Nyrop

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
formulation/storage of bioagents

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Trichogramma ostriniae (parasitoid)