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Alternating temperatures affect the performance of Trichogramma species
1Division of Entomology, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, India dfirake@gmail.com.
Journal of Insect Science (Online)
|November 6, 2014
Summary
Daily temperature fluctuations significantly impact Trichogramma wasp effectiveness in pest control. Releasing these biological control agents during their pupal stage in cooler morning or evening hours maximizes their performance.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Biological Control
- Agroecology
Background:
- Environmental compatibility is crucial for biological control agents used in agriculture.
- Temperature variability in field conditions significantly affects the performance of parasitoid wasps like Trichogramma.
- Understanding temperature impacts on Trichogramma is vital for optimizing pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of daily temperature variations on the pest-control capabilities of female Trichogramma wasps and their immature offspring.
- To assess how thermal shocks affect key life history traits of Trichogramma species under simulated Indian field conditions.
- To determine optimal release strategies for Trichogramma based on their developmental stage and temperature tolerance.
Main Methods:
- A simulation-based study exposed immature and adult Trichogramma (T. chilonis and T. poliae) to five temperature levels (20-40°C) simulating daily heat shocks.
- Investigated the effects of thermal shock intensity and frequency on adult emergence, fecundity, and longevity.
- Analyzed the impact of temperature variations on parasitoid sex ratio across different developmental stages.
Main Results:
- High-intensity and frequent thermal shocks inversely affected adult emergence, fecundity, and longevity in both Trichogramma species.
- Parasitoid pupae exhibited greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations compared to eggs and larvae.
- High temperatures significantly reduced parasitoid fecundity and longevity, with more severe effects on eggs impacting the sex ratio.
Conclusions:
- Daily short-term temperature shocks profoundly affect Trichogramma emergence, reproduction, lifespan, and progeny sex ratio.
- Parasitoid pupal stages are more resilient to temperature variations than earlier developmental phases.
- Releasing Trichogramma during their pupal stage in the early morning or evening is recommended for maximum pest management efficacy.
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