The effect of host deprivation on fecundity and longevity of Trichogramma pintoi Voegele (Hym., Trichogrammatidae)

Reproduction strategy of biological control agents can be affected by host deprivation. This effect was investigated on Trichogramma pintoi at laboratory condition (25±1 ºC, 65±5% RH, 16:8 LD). Treatments of 0 to 4 days of host deprived wasps in 10 replications were prepared. The wasps were then provided by daily supplies of Sitotroga cerealella eggs for the rest of their life. Female longevity, number of parasitized eggs and rate of progeny emergence were calculated. Results showed that wasps with 4 days host deprivation had greater longevity (14.16 days) but it was not significantly different compared with other treatments. As deprivation time increased, the total number of parasitized host decreased without significant differences. It was averagely 116.5 egg/wasp in 0 day host deprived treatment (control) and 70.6 egg/wasp in 4 days host deprived wasps. Moreover, host deprivation had no effect on emergence rate. In general, host deprivation for a few days may not seriously affect the biological characteristics of T. pintoi