Preliminary accounts on the rearing of Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) (Hym., Encyrtidae)
1990
Battisti, A. (Padova Univ. (Italy). Ist. Entomologia Agraria. Cattedra di Zoologia Forestale) | Ianne, P. | Milani, N. | Zanata, M.
Ooencyrtus pityocampa could be an effective agent of biological control of the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa. Rearing experiments were carried out, leading to the following preliminary results. Adult parasitoid nutrition. No appreciable differences in efficiency exist among the different types of diets already described for adult Hymenoptera. In the preparation of the further diets for O. pityocampae the protein requirements of the parasitoid should be taken into account. Fecundity. This parameter varies strongly during the adult life because of the processes of oogenesis and oosorption. The highest number of mature eggs (11 on average) in the ovaries was observed 10 days after emergence. In presence of the host, the oogenesis is continuous and a single female can lay more than 40 eggs. Larval diapause. The winter diapause of the mature larvae of O. pityocampae in the host eggs could be interrupted by heating them up to 28-30 degrees C. The results of this treatment are related to the duration of the exposure of the mature larvae to cold. At least 100 days of cooling period are requested to obtain the highest number and best synchronization of emergences. Rearing on artificial substrates. O. pityocampae can lay its eggs and develop up to the stage of mature larva in artificial eggs (Synthetic membrane) filled with various types of diets. The method is promising for the utilization in mass rearing
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