BioControl (2016) 61, 379-386
Steffi Niedermayer, Lars Krogmann and Johannes L.M. Steidle (2016)
Lost in space? Host-finding ability of the parasitoids Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae in empty grain storage facilities to control residual pest populations
BioControl 61 (4), 379-386
Abstract: We studied the ability of the parasitoid species Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) to locate populations of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Dryophtoridae) in grain residues. Experiments were conducted under laboratory and storage-like conditions. Generally both parasitoid species were able to find hosts up to 10 m from the release spot. Under laboratory conditions with excluded air movement and a centered light source, host finding was largely random, declining with increasing distance of baits from the release spot. Under storage-like conditions, host finding was strongly reduced and was not influenced by distance. A. calandrae seems to have been influenced by positive phototaxis. L. distinguendus showed a weaker host-finding success than A. calandrae, which was increased by a higher number of wasps from 10–50 per release. This resulted in a 5-fold higher number of parasitizations. It is discussed that host finding of residual pest populations by L. distinguendus and A. calandrae in empty storages is difficult to predict and influenced by light and air conditions. Based on our results, we provide recommendations for the release of parasitoids against residual pest populations.
(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): Johannes L.M. Steidle
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitophilus granarius | ||||
| Anisopteromalus calandrae (parasitoid) | Sitophilus granarius | |||
| Lariophagus distinguendus (parasitoid) | Sitophilus granarius |
