Journal of Applied Entomology (2016) 140, 479-483

Y.-D. Varennes, M. Gonzalez Chang, S. Boyer and S.D. Wratten (2016)
Nectar feeding increases exploratory behaviour in the aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh)
Journal of Applied Entomology 140 (6), 479-483
Abstract: Feeding on floral nectar has multiple positive effects on parasitic wasps, including increased longevity and fecundity, and in addition, nectar feeding can also alter parasitoid behaviour. To advance understanding of the effects of nectar feeding on Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) [Hymenoptera: Braconidae], the activities of 1-day-old female D. rapae with or without a prior buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) nectar meal were quantified. Nectar increased searching time of D. rapae by a factor of 40 compared with individuals provided with water only and reduced the time spent stationary. The number of attacks to aphids by nectar-fed parasitoids was not significantly (P = 0.06) higher than that of unfed D. rapae, suggesting that the conditions of the experiment facilitated host finding by 'quiet' parasitoids. Nevertheless, nectar feeding modified the behaviour of D. rapae in a way that parasitoids were more explorative and less inactive. This represents one additional mechanism through which nectar feeding impacts parasitoid biology and suggests that a synergy between increased host searching, increased longevity and increased fecundity should lead to an enhancement of biocontrol when D. rapae females have access to nectar in the field.
(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): Yann-David Varennes

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.
Diaeretiella rapae (parasitoid)