The effect of different diets of Indian meal moth (Hübner) Plodia interpunctella on the biological characteristics and life table parameters ofHabrobracon hebetor Say

The effect of different diets were examined. on the growth period , fecundity and life table parameters of Habrobracon hebetor Say against the Plodia interpunctella Hübner under laboratory conditions at 26±2 °C, 65±5% R.H. and photoperiod 16:8hours (L:D). Six diets were included pistachio, walnut, almond, date, figs and artificial diet. Results of this research revealed that the shortest period of pre-adult durations of parasitoid wasps on pistachio (9.92 days) and the longest period on figs diet (15.61 days). The highest sex ratio was observed on pistachio and artificial diets (0.52) and the lowest in figs and dates (0.46). The longest adult female longevity was on pistachio diet (30.50 days) and the shortest on fig (28.35days). The highest mean total number of eggs laid by H. hebetor was observed in pistachio diets (348.5-eggs) and the lowest in figs (306.09 eggs). The lowest duration of one generation (T) was on pistachio diet (15.61days) and the highest duration on figs (22.05days). Pistachio and artificial diet had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) with 0.332 and 0.327 (day-1). Similarly, pistachio and artificial diet had the highest finite rate of increase ( ) with 1.39 (day-1). According to the results of the present study, pistachio and artificial diets were identified as the best diet for rearing H. hebetor. However, due to the fact that artificial diet is cheaper and more economical compared to other diets studied, so artificial diet can be used for mass-rearing programs of H. hebetor.