Searching behaviour of Trichogramma wasps (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on tomato and pepper leaves

Authors

  • Robert R. McGregor Department of Biology Douglas College P.O. Box 2503, New Westminster, B.C., V3L 5B2
  • Renee P. Prasad E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. 3041 33rd Ave West Vancouver, B.C., V6N 2G2
  • Deborah E. Henderson E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. 3041 33rd Ave West Vancouver, B.C., V6N 2G2

Abstract

Walking speeds of both Trichogramma brassicae and T. sibericum were substantially lower on tomato than on pepper leaf disks. The difference may be due to the presence of glandular trichomes on tomato foliage. Total time spent on leaf disks during behavioural trials was lower on tomato than on pepper leaf disks for both species of wasps. This may indicate a higher propensity to disperse from tomato foliage than from pepper foliage. Lower walking speeds and shorter residence times on tomato leaves could result in a lower searching efficiency of wasps on tomato than on pepper. The subsequent efficacy of Trichogramma for biological control of cabbage loopers in greenhouses may be lower on tomato crops than on pepper crops.

Keywords: Trichogramma brassicae; Trichogramma sibericum; Trichoptusia ni; searching behaviour; glandular trichomes; egg parasitoids; biological control; greenhouse vegetables

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Vol. 99 (2002): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

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Articles

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