Evaluation of Pupal Parasitoids <i>Trichomalopsis ovigastra</i> and <i>Pachycrepoideus vindemiae</i> as Potential Biological Control Agents of <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i>
Parasitoid wasps are vital for biological control, and while new species continue to be discovered, evaluating their biological characteristics is crucial for realizing their potential for pest management. <i>Pachycrepoideus vindemiae</i> (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a well-s...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/7/708 |
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| Summary: | Parasitoid wasps are vital for biological control, and while new species continue to be discovered, evaluating their biological characteristics is crucial for realizing their potential for pest management. <i>Pachycrepoideus vindemiae</i> (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a well-studied parasitoid of dipteran pests, while <i>Trichomalopsis ovigastra</i> Sureshan & Narendran (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has been only morphologically described. To assess its biocontrol potential, we compared the biological traits of <i>T. ovigastra</i> and <i>P. vindemiae</i> using <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) as hosts. <i>T. ovigastra</i> showed significantly higher parasitism rates, especially against <i>B. dorsalis</i>, where <i>T. ovigastra</i> achieved nearly 50% parasitism, compared to less than 0.3% by <i>P. vindemiae</i>. When using <i>D. melanogaster</i> as the host, no significant differences were observed between <i>T. ovigastra</i> and <i>P. vindemiae</i> in offspring sex ratio or adult longevity; however, <i>T. ovigastra</i> exhibited a shorter developmental duration and greater tolerance to temperature extremes, starvation, and desiccation. Notably, <i>B. dorsalis</i> has expanded its range from southern to northern China; however, no native parasitoids of this pest have been reported in the newly invaded northern regions. <i>T. ovigastra</i>, collected from northern orchards and capable of parasitizing <i>B. dorsalis</i>, thus shows promise as a biocontrol agent. These findings highlight the potential of locally occurring parasitoids, although field validation is still required. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |