Phytoparasitica (2007) 35, 336-345

P.A. Wanderley, F.S. Ramalho, J.C. Zanuncio and G.L.D. Leite (2007)
Thermal requirements and development of Bracon vulgaris, a parasitoid of the cotton boll weevil
Phytoparasitica 35 (4), 336-345
Abstract: The development of Bracon vulgaris Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitoid of the cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was studied at constant temperatures of 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33, 35 and 38°C, 70 ± 10% r.h. and 14:10 L:D period. The period from egg to adult of B. vulgaris varied from 8.6 (35°C) to 32.9 days (18°C). The eggs of this parasitoid became desiccated and did not hatch at 38°C. The lower development threshold (LDT) and thermal constants for development varied with B. vulgaris instar, but they were similar for males and females. The duration of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th B. vulgaris instars required, respectively, 9.36 degree-days above one LDT=12.27°C, 13.48 degree-days above one LDT=6.83°C, 11.65 degree-days above one LDT=9.41°C, and 12.82 degree-days above one LDT=10.78°C. B. vulgaris has physiological adaptations to different threshold temperatures and it shows high potential to be used against A. grandis in cotton crops.
(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): Francisco de Sousa Ramalho, José Cola Zanuncio, Germano L.D. Leite

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Anthonomus grandis	Cotton (Gossypium)
Bracon vulgaris (parasitoid)	Anthonomus grandis	Cotton (Gossypium)