Journal of Insect Science (2007) 7 (16), 21-22

G. Salvador and F.L. Cônsoli (2007)
Changes in the biochemistry of the host hemolymph Diatraea saccharalis (Lep.: Crambidae) induced by the endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hym.: Braconidae)
Journal of Insect Science 7 (16), 21-22
XIV International Entomophagous Insects Workshop - Jun. 11-15, 2006, Newark, Delaware, U.S.A.
Abstract: Koinobiont parasitoids induce changes in the composition of the host internal environment to adequate the nutrients available to the specific requirements of the developing immature. Cotesia flavipes is an important biological control agent employed in applied programs for the control of the sugarcane borer in extensive areas in Brazil. They are mass produced on the natural host, and the increase in demand of renewable sources of energy will require the development of cost effective rearing technologies. Such technologies will certainly require information on the nutritional needs of such species, and the changes parasitoids induce on their host are a reliable source of information to understand the nutritional ecology of these insects. Therefore, we have evaluated changes of the major macromolecules in the hemolymph composition of the host throughout parasitoid development. Host proteins availability is altered early in parasitoid development, while changes in sugar and lipid levels will occur only five days after parasitization. All nutrients were found in much lower concentration in the hemolymph of parasitized than from non-parasitized hosts. We discuss the importance of such changes in supporting parasitoid development.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Fernando L. Consoli

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Diatraea saccharalis
Cotesia flavipes (parasitoid)	Diatraea saccharalis