Several studies have shown that the host plant influences the bioecological parameters of both pest insects and their natural enemies; however, few studies have evaluated the effect of varieties of the same plant species. This study evaluated the host-choice behavior (by a free-choice test) of Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on nymphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) reared on 4 sweet orange (Sapindales: Rutaceae) varieties (Hamlin, Pêra, Natal, and Valencia), and its development (biology) in nymphs reared on these same varieties, on a mandarin (cv. Ponkan), and on orange jasmine. The host-choice behavior was not affected by the host on which D. citri was reared, showing that T. radiata has a degree of plasticity in interpreting the cues for host location. In the free-choice test, the hosts did not affect the percentage of parasitism. The emergence parameter, regardless of the host used, showed viability (egg to adult) above 80% for all varieties, with the highest level for Pêra sweet orange (90.06%). The parasitoid's development period in nymphs reared on Ponkan (12.4 d) was statistically similar to the period in nymphs reared on orange jasmine (11.80 d) but statistically longer than in nymphs reared on other citrus varieties. No significant difference in the sex ratio was observed. Tamarixia radiata as a biological control agent of D. citri can be an additional component in integrated pest management in citrus groves. It can be used regardless of the citrus variety, because its behavior and biology are similar for the main commercial varieties of citrus grown in São Paulo.
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1 June 2016
Can the Choice Behavior and Fitness of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) be Affected by the Citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae) Variety Used to Rear the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae)?
G. R. Alves,
J. M. Vieira,
A. J. F. Diniz,
J. R. P. Parra
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Florida Entomologist
Vol. 99 • No. 2
June 2016
Vol. 99 • No. 2
June 2016
biological control
Control biológico
free-choice test
HLB
insect-plant interaction
interacciones insecto-planta
parasitoid