BioControl (2014) 59, 89-98

Amin Sedaratian, Yaghoub Fathipour and Reza Talaei-Hassanloui (2014)
Deleterious effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on biological parameters of Habrobracon hebetor parasitizing Helicoverpa armigera
BioControl 59 (1), 89-98
Abstract: The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner and the braconid wasp Habrobracon hebetor Say are valuable biocontrol agents attacking larval stages of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Little information is available regarding combination of these biocontrol agents during integrated management of H. armigera. To address this knowledge gap, we document sublethal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on H. hebetor attacking H. armigera larvae infected with Btk. The results revealed that the duration of different life stages and fecundity of H. hebetor was significantly affected by sublethal treatments with Btk. We also present data supporting that sublethal concentrations of Btk could adversely affect life table parameters of H. hebetor. Sublethal treatments reduced the net reproductive rate (R₀) and there were also significant differences among the values of this parameter at all treatments tested. The intrinsic (r_m ) and finite (λ) rates of increase were also significantly lower in parasitoid wasps reared on the treated larvae of H. armigera compared to the control. These findings will be useful to develop appropriate strategies for assessing the risks of Btk to the parasitoids and safe deployment of both organisms in integrated pest management programs for sustainable crop production.
(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): Yaghoub Fathipour

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa armigera
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (entomopathogen)	Helicoverpa armigera
Habrobracon hebetor (parasitoid)	Helicoverpa armigera