Journal of Entomological Science (2003) 38, 93-103

Claire E. Rutledge and Robert N. Wiedenmann (2003)
An attempt to change habitat preference of a parasitoid, Cotesia sesamiae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), through artificial selection
Journal of Entomological Science 38 (1), 93-103
Abstract: Insect parasitoids are under strong selective pressure to utilize available hosts, which could cause a parasitoid used as a biological control agent to extend its host range. We artificially selected for a change in habitat preference of the braconid parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron), to test the potential for host range expansion. Cotesia sesamiae parasitizes stemborers of maize and sorghum and has potential as a biological control agent of many stemborers. We tested selection for increased attraction to sorghum (a favored plant) and to cabbage (a non-favored plant) through experiments carried out over 4 generations. No change in attraction to either plant was observed, suggesting that this parasitoid may not easily expand its host range through a change in habitat preference.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Claire E. Rutledge

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Cotesia sesamiae (parasitoid)