Effect of pupal cold storage on the life table parameters of larval ectoparasitoid Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: braconidae)

Abstract

Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is regarded as one of the most significant biocontrol agents of several pests. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of cold storage on the table table parameters. The emergence rate of parasitoids declined as the storage period increased (82.54 ± 2.19, 60.09 ± 2.11, 52.12 ± 4.52 and 48.67 ± 4.20%) after cold storage for one, two, three, and four weeks respectively. The life table parameters were negatively affected by cold storage. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) decreased (0.20 d^-1) when pupa storing for 4 week. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the finite rate of increase (λ) both displayed a similar trend. Also, the doubling time (DT) increased when compared to the control (2.36 ± 0.13 d). In conclusion, it is not advised to store the pupae at low temperatures for long durations. However, the cold storing is considered to some extent a suitable way for short-term storage.

Keywords:

• Biological control
• Bracon hebetor
• cold storage
• hymenoptera
• parasitoid

Acknowledgements

This research is carried out in pests and plant protection department in National Research Centre (Egypt), which is greatly appreciated.

Authors’ contributions

The author HH conceived, performed, Material preparation, data collection and analysis and designed the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and materials

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