Abstract

ZUMOFFEN, Leticia et al. Plants, aphids and parasitoids: trophic interactions in agroecosystems in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina and a key to the identification of Aphidiinae and Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera) known to the region. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2015, vol.74, n.3-4, pp.133-144. ISSN 0373-5680.

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae; Aphelinidae) exert a significant pressure regulation in pest aphid populations (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In order to contribute to the biological control of aphids, the objective of this study was to identify plantaphid-parasitoid trophic interactions occurring in crop fields and their vegetated borders and to provide an identification key for parasitoids recorded in the province of Santa Fe (Aphidiidae and Aphelinidae). Over four years, (2009-2013), 10 transects of 0.5 m in crops (alfalfa, oats, wheat and canola) and noncrop edges were randomly selected in 28 fields from six districts of the province. Samples of each observed species were taken and mummies (parasitized aphids) were reared in the laboratory, until adult emergence, for identification. Regional matrix for plantaphid-parasitoid interaction registered in crops and noncrop and useful aspects for aphid pest control are discussed. Known host ranges for eleven species of parasitoids were expanded and an illustrated key based on female morphology of both groups of parasitoids, and another based on mummies morphology and other evidences of parasitoids emergence from their hosts, were provided.

Keywords : Crops; Conservative Biological Control; Spontaneous vegetation.

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