Neotropical Entomology (2002) 31, 271-274

R.G. Monnerat, A.A. Kirk and D. Bordat (2002)
Biology of Diadegma sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), from Reunion Island
Neotropical Entomology 31 (2), 271-274
Abstract: The genus Diadegma have some species able to parasite Plutella xylostella (L.) (DBM). Laboratory studies were carried out on a Diadegma sp. from Reunion Island to elucidate its ability to parasite DBM larvae, and to determine the influence of the temperature on its fecundity, longevity, oviposition and the consumption of cabbage leaves by parasitized DBM larvae. Parasitism rates were close to 70% for the L2 and L3 instar, and 53% for the L4. At 15°C, there were no progeny. At 20°C and 25°C, the percentage of parasitism was near 70%. At 29°C, the percentage parasitism was similar but the number of males produced was higher. Parasitized DBM larvae consumed 35% less leaf surface than non parasitized larvae. This Diadegma sp. is a possible candidate for introduction into tropical areas, where no tropically adapted Diadegma species are known and could complement Bacillus thuringiensis treated systems.

O gênero Diadegma compreende espécies capazes de parasitar larvas de Plutella xylostella (L.) (DBM). Foram realizados estudos de laboratório com uma população de Diadegma sp. oriunda da Ilha da Reunião, para determinar sua capacidade de parasitismo e a influência da temperatura na sua fecundidade, longevidade, oviposição e o consumo foliar de larvas parasitadas de DBM. A taxa de parasitismo foi de 70% de larvas de segundo e terceiro estádios e 53% de quarto estádio. A 15°C, não houve parasitismo. A 20°C e 25°C, a porcentagem de parasitismo foi próxima a 70%. A 29°C, a porcentagem de parasitismo foi similar (70%), mas houve maior produção de machos. Larvas parasitadas de DBM consomem 35% menos superfície foliar do que larvas não parasitadas. Essa espécie de Diadegma é um possível candidato para ser introduzido em áreas tropicais, onde nenhuma espécie adaptada é conhecida, e onde pode ser usada como complemento às aplicações de Bacillus thuringiensis.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Alan A. Kirk, Dominique Bordat

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.
	Plutella xylostella		Reunion Island
Diadegma (genus - parasitoids)	Plutella xylostella		Reunion Island