Searching and arrestment behaviour of the parasitoid, Leptomastix, nr. epona (Walker) as affected by leaf surfaces, honeydew and waxes of mealybugs
2003
Mozaddedul, H.N.M. (Bangladesh Rice Research Inst., Gazipur (Bangladesh). Entomology Div.) | Copland, M.J.W.
Searching behaviour of the parasitoid, Leptomastix nr. epona were evaluated on four different leaf surfaces (Passiflora, Avocado, Guava, Citrus) and the arrestment behaviour of the parasitoid to the honeydew and waxes of Pseudococcus longispinus and P. affinis were compared under a video camera in laboratory. Scanning electron microscopy were also done on four leaf surfaces. No significant differences were observed in the behaviour of the parasitoid, L. nr. epona towards the honeydew of long-tailed (host) and glasshouse mealybug (non-host). Female Leptomastix nr. epona immediately after release, starts searching in clean, honeydew and waxes contaminated areas. After contacting with honeydew or wax contaminated areas, the parasitoid searches the area intensively with its antenna and then turn around the honeydew or waxes contaminated area and then try to probe by its ovipositor. The female parasitoids may consider long-tailed mealybug honeydew and waxes as chemical and visual cues and responds to this stimulant by changes in locomotary behaviour. Overall, the present results showed L. nr. epona searches on honeydew or wax coated areas more than on a clean area. So honeydew and wax might act as an arrestment stimulus or visual cue, showing this associated host product is a long-term kairomone. The net speed of searching of Leptomastix nr. epona on Passiflora was reduced compared with other three species and the number of trichomes observed on Passiflora (leaf lamina and mid rib of the leaf) were higher compared with other three plant species. So it may be one of the reason of the parasitoid low net speed of searching on dense trichomatous leaf lamina such as Passiflora compared to leaf lamina where no trichomes at all (citrus).
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Mots clés AGROVOC
Informations bibliographiques
Cette notice bibliographique a été fournie par National Agricultural Research Centre
Découvrez la collection de ce fournisseur de données dans AGRIS