The effect of four fruit species on the parasitization rate of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae, Trypetinae) by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Opiinae) under laboratory rearing conditions

OVRUSKI, SERGIO MARCELO; OROÑO, LUIS EDUARDO; SCHLISERMAN, PABLO; NUÑEZ CAMPERO, SEGUNDO R.

BIOCONTROL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2007 vol. 17 p. 1079 - 1085

0958-3157

In the laboratory, the effect of host fruit species Citrus paradisi, C. aurantium, Prunus persica, and Psidium guajava on A. fraterculus parasitism by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata was studied. The number of ovipositor-probing events and the probing-time were documented to evaluate the role of fruit chemistry, and epicarp and mesocarp thickness, respectively. The relationship between the parasitization rate and fruit size in particular plant species was analyzed by applying a simple regression. Results showed that guava and peach yielded significantly more parasitoides than both Citrus spp. Probably, the parasitization rate of D. longicaudata on A. fraterculus would be influenced in part by chemical and physical factors from fruit species.