Bulletin of Insectology (2019) 72, 207-218

Ines Ksentini and Annette Herz (2019)
Studies on interactions between parasitoids: the case of the idiobiont Trichogramma cacoeciae and the koinobiont Ascogaster quadridentata on Cydia pomonella eggs
Bulletin of Insectology 72 (2), 207-218
Abstract: To optimize biological control of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae), two of its natural enemies, the egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera Trichogrammatidae) and the egg-larval parasitoid Ascogaster quadridentata Wesmael (Hymenoptera Braconidae), exploiting the same host resource were investigated for potential interference. Laboratory experiments revealed that in general both parasitoids could not reliably differentiate between unparasitized and previously parasitized eggs whatever quality or combination was provided. This situation was beneficial for T. cacoeciae, as all eggs successfully parasitized by both parasitoids developed solely into T. cacoeciae adults. Nonetheless, the latter's parasitism rate was much lower in the case of simultaneous presence of a A. quadridentata female than alone showing A. quadridentata capability to defend its own offspring. Although further tests under more natural conditions are necessary, this study suggests that regarding control of the codling moth, inundative releases of T. cacoeciae may disturb the natural control made by the endemic parasitoid A. quadridentata.
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Database assignments for author(s): Annette Herz

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cydia pomonella
Trichogramma cacaeciae (parasitoid)	Cydia pomonella
Ascogaster quadridentatus (parasitoid)	Cydia pomonella