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The effects of temperature on the development, fecundity and mortality of Eretmocerus warrae : is Eretmocerus warrae better adapted to high temperatures than Encarsia formosa ?
Author(s) -
Wang Tao,
Keller Michael Anthony,
Hogendoorn Katja
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5169
Subject(s) - aphelinidae , trialeurodes , biology , hymenoptera , parasitoid , biological pest control , botany , fecundity , horticulture , pest analysis , homoptera , population , demography , sociology
BACKGROUND Eretmocerus warrae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a parasitoid of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Here, we compare its potential as a biological control agent at high temperatures to that of Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a wasp which is widely sold for control of T. vaporariorum . RESULTS Eretmocerus warrae attained the highest estimated developmental rate at 31.4 °C and the maximum oviposition rate at 30.5 °C. Developmental times of E. warrae at fluctuating temperatures that simulate night‐day patterns were similar to those predicted based on constant temperatures. Above the optimum temperature, E. warrae tolerated higher constant temperatures than En. formosa during development and as adults. Using a ramping temperature approach, the critical thermal maximum for adult E. warrae was significantly higher than that of adult En. formosa . CONCLUSION Eretmocerus warrae is better adapted to high temperatures than En. formosa , and could therefore be a complementary or superior biological control agent during summer months in hot regions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry