Abstract

CHACON CASTRO, Yerlin  and  LOPEZ, Silvia N.. Biology of Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), parasitoid of Bemisia tabaci complex (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) under laboratory conditions. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2010, vol.69, n.1-2, pp.45-56. ISSN 1851-7471.

The estimation of biological attributes of natural enemies prior to its use in the field is an important tool in a biological control program. The objective of the present paper was to evaluate the main biological parameters of Eretmocerus mundus Mercet, a parasitoid of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), under controlled laboratory conditions. Parasitoid survival,  female longevity, fecundity, sex rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m), net reproductive rate (R_o) and generational time (T) were studied using life tables, with pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as host plants. Results obtained on pepper and tomato, respectively,  were: pupal survival: 86.86 ± 1.94 and 83,45 ± 2,13%; female longevity: 18,19 ± 1,61 and 17,00 ± 0,92 days; sex rate: 0,34 ± 0,06 and 0,47 ± 0,05 female/(male + female); l_x50: 21 and 18 days; r_m: 0,226 ± 0,061 and 0,228 ± 0,057 parasitized nymphs/female/day; Ro: 189,71 ± 24,25 and 154,65 ± 17,58 parasitized nymphs/female; T: 25,88 ± 0,42 and 24,03 ± 0,34 days. Results lead to a better understanding of the local population of this parasitoid and its potential role as a biological control agent of B. tabaci.

Keywords : Eretmocerus mundus; Bemisia tabaci; Capsicum annuum; Solanum lycopersicum; Biological control.

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