Journal of Applied Entomology (2013) 137, 146-152

S. Niedermayer, E. Obermaier and J.L.M. Steidle (2013)
Some like it hot, some not: influence of extreme temperatures on Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae
Journal of Applied Entomology 137 (1-2), 146-152
Abstract: The parasitic wasp species Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Pteromalidae) are used for inoculation biological control of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in grain stores in Europe. To assess their suitability for biological control under extreme temperatures in winter and summer, we studied the influence of temperatures on their parasitization behaviour under natural fluctuating temperature conditions in the field and under constant temperature conditions in the laboratory. At low temperatures (≤20°C), L. distinguendus showed a higher parasitization rate than A. calandrae. At high temperatures (≥25°C), A. calandrae performed better than L. distinguendus that was negatively affected already at temperatures above 30°C. These findings suggest a temperature-dependent release of either L. distinguendus or A. calandrae to allow a more efficient application of the wasps in biological control.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Johannes L.M. Steidle, Elisabeth Obermaier

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.
	Sitophilus granarius	Stored grain	Germany
Anisopteromalus calandrae (parasitoid)	Sitophilus granarius	Stored grain	Germany
Lariophagus distinguendus (parasitoid)	Sitophilus granarius	Stored grain	Germany