Biocontrol Science and Technology (2001) 11, 371-380
C.B. Phillips and D.B. Baird (2001)
Geographic variation in egg load of Microctonus hyperodae Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and its implications for biological control success
Biocontrol Science and Technology 11 (3), 371-380
Abstract: Eight South American geographic populations of the parthenogenic, proovigenic, koinobiont parasitoid Microctonus hyperodae Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae) were introduced to New Zealand to assist management of the pasture pest Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Geographic variation in fecundity has been suggested as a reason for the populations' differential successes in establishing in New Zealand. This study investigated whether geographic variation in fecundity was due to corresponding variation in pre-oviposition egg load (other possible sources of fecundity variation include searching efficiency, egg survival and female longevity). Variation in egg load accounted for that in fecundity, but also showed that the variation in fecundity was not as great as it had first appeared. Geographic variation in egg load did not explain the pattern of population establishment observed in New Zealand. Egg load was proportional to parasitoid size and this relationship was stronger in populations originating from west, rather than east, of the Andes. A new method for making parasitoid eggs visible is described.
(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): Craig B. Phillips
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.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listronotus bonariensis | Grasses/turf/rangeland | New Zealand | ||
| Microctonus hyperodae (parasitoid) | Listronotus bonariensis | Grasses/turf/rangeland | New Zealand |
