Egg Parasitism by Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Architecturally Varied Habitats, and Observations on Parasitism in Macadamia Nut Orchards and Other Habitats Following Augmentative Release.

Wright, Mark G.; Diez, Joselito M.

Egg Parasitism by Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Architecturally Varied Habitats, and Observations on Parasitism in Macadamia Nut Orchards and Other Habitats Following Augmentative Release.

Files

43_23-31.pdf (249.74 KB)

Date

2011-12-09

Authors

Wright, Mark G.

Diez, Joselito M.

Abstract

The ability of T. basalis to locate and parasitize Nezara viridula eggs was investigated in habitats with different architectures (monocot, broad leaf shrubs, mixed weeds). Trissolcus basalis demonstrated a significant preference for searching in weedy habitats dominated by Crotalaria pallida. Dispersal and host utilization efficiency of T. basalis was quantified in macadamia orchards on trees and weeds, and in weed- infested pastures. Parasitism of N. viridula eggs in macadamia nut orchards on trees and weeds was low. In weedy pasture the effects of predation (42% of eggs destroyed) and parasitism (~16% of eggs destroyed) appeared to be greater than in orchards. Quantification of the level of indispensable mortality contributed by T. basalis and predatory insects is needed. While augmentative release of T. basalis in macadamia nut orchards shows little potential for suppression of N. viridula, releases in weedy habitats adjacent to orchards may contribute to reducing numbers of N. viridula moving into orchards from surrounding habitat by increasing mortality at the egg stage. The economics of implementing augmentative releases of T. basalis in macadamia nut production will likely render augmentative release strategies impractical.

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10125/21676

Extent

10 pages

Collections

Volume 43 - December 2011 : Hawaiian Entomological Society

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