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Temperature Affects Biological Control Efficacy: A Microcosm Study of Trichogramma achaeae
Long Chen1,2, Annie Enkegaard1, Jesper Givskov Sørensen2
1Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark.
Insects
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Laboratory quality control for biological control agents (BCAs) like Trichogramma achaeae may not predict field success. Temperature significantly impacts parasitisation efficiency, suggesting behavioral assays are crucial for accurate BCA efficacy assessment.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Biological Control
- Pest Management
Background:
- Current quality control for mass-reared biological control agents (BCAs) primarily occurs in laboratory settings.
- Laboratory-based efficacy measurements often neglect crucial behavioral aspects of BCAs.
- This limitation raises concerns about the reliability of laboratory data in predicting real-world field performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biological control efficacy of Trichogramma achaeae parasitising Ephestia kuehniella eggs under varying temperatures (15-30 °C) using microcosm assays.
- To assess the influence of temperature on the realised parasitisation efficiency of T. achaeae.
- To determine if laboratory-measured fecundity can predict field efficacy across different temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Microcosms were utilized to simulate field conditions for assessing parasitisation efficiency.
- Trichogramma achaeae females were exposed to Ephestia kuehniella eggs across a temperature gradient from 15 °C to 30 °C.
- Parasitisation success was quantified by measuring the percentage of parasitised host eggs and the distribution of parasitised eggs on plant leaves.
Main Results:
- Parasitisation efficiency of T. achaeae was significantly reduced at lower temperatures (15 °C and 20 °C) compared to higher temperatures.
- Laboratory fecundity data for T. achaeae did not accurately predict field parasitisation efficacy across the tested temperature range.
- While leaf side preference was not observed, T. achaeae exhibited a preference for parasitising eggs on the upper tiers of plants.
Conclusions:
- Temperature is a critical factor influencing the field efficacy of Trichogramma achaeae.
- Laboratory fecundity assays are insufficient for predicting the performance of T. achaeae in operational field conditions.
- Developing more complex quality control assays that incorporate behavioral responses is essential for optimizing BCA deployment.
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