Environmental Entomology (1990) 19, 1732-1737

Karen Idoine and David N. Ferro (1990)
Persistence of Edovum puttleri (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on potato plants and parasitism of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Effects of resource availability and weather
Environmental Entomology 19 (6), 1732-1737
Abstract: The persistence and distribution of Edovum puttleri Grissell, an egg parasitoid of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants with different host resources were quantified. E. puttleri were released into 1.5 m³ field cages enclosing pairs of potato plants with different combinations of host eggs, aphids producing honeydew, or without these resources. Observations every 2 h throughout the day revealed that the parasitoids spent more time during peak foraging periods on plants with aphids or host eggs, or both. However, the percentage of parasitism and mortality of beetle egg masses was not significantly higher on plants with aphids. The relationship between parasitism and mortality of beetle eggs by E. puttleri and weather conditions were analyzed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

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.
	Leptinotarsa decemlineata	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Edovum puttleri (parasitoid)	Leptinotarsa decemlineata	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)	U.S.A. (NE)