An extended laboratory test for evaluating the effects of plant protection products on the parasitic wasp, Aphidius rhopalosiphi (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

Abstract

This guideline describes a standardised form of extended laboratory test for evaluating the effects of plant protection products on the parasitic wasp, Aphidius rhopalosiphi (De Stefani-Perez) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), both in terms of acute treatment effects (i.e. mortality over a 48 h exposure period) and sub-lethal treatment effects (i.e. changes in the reproductive capacity of surviving wasps). The test method involves the treatment of a 3-dimensional test substrate (barley seedlings), over which the test insects (laboratory-bred female wasps, less than 48-hold) are confined for 48 h. Surviving wasps are then individually confined over untreated aphid-infested plants for 24 h and the numbers of parasitised aphids in which wasp pupae subsequently develop are recorded. Acute mortality after 48 h and the mean number of 'mummies' (the pupal stage of the wasps) produced per female are used as assessment endpoints for the test.

Selectivity of chlorantraniliprole to parasitoid wasps

“…Effects of chlorantraniliprole 20SC and chlorantraniliprole 35WG on mortality and fecundity of less than 48‐hour‐old A. rhopalosiphi were evaluated for registration in EU in dose–response tests following a 48 h exposure to fresh‐dried spray deposits on glass plates 5. The objective for risk assessment is to determine a median lethal application rate (LR 50 ) and a median reproduction inhibition rate (ER 50 ).…”

“…are sensitive indicator species of non‐target parasitic wasps in accordance with international guidelines 4 . Aphidus rhopalosiphi is an aphid‐specific parasitoid with a wide geographic distribution and host range 5 . Trichogramma chilonis Ishii and T. pretiosum Riley are distributed worldwide and are important egg parasitoids of Lepidopteran pests on a wide range of agricultural crops 6–10 .…”

Efficacy of five selected acaricides against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and their side effects on relevant natural enemies occurring in citrus orchards

“…Fresh, three‐ or six‐day‐old residues were tested. Mortality of A. colemani was estimated up until the second day in all three experiments, following IOBC standards 28…”

Effects of organic‐farming‐compatible insecticides on four aphid natural enemy species

“…The initial toxicity of the products was assessed in two stages: first, an assessment of residual toxicity of pesticide residue applied to the glass plates; second, an evaluation of the reproduction performance of females that survived the exposure. The exposure units were similar to those used for registration tests 39. Between 1 and 2 h after the pesticide application, the units were assembled, and parasitoid wasps (five males, five females, all 0–48 h old), slightly anaesthetised with carbon dioxide, were released into them.…”