Floral Resources for Trissolcus japonicus, a Parasitoid of Halyomorpha halys

Abstract

<jats:p>The egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus is the main candidate for classical biocontrol of the invasive agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys. The efficacy of classical biocontrol depends on the parasitoid’s survival and conservation in the agroecosystem. Most parasitoid species rely on floral nectar as a food source, thus identifying nectar sources for T. japonicus is critical. We evaluated the impact of eight flowering plant species on T. japonicus survival in the lab by exposing unfed wasps to flowers inside vials. We also measured the wasps’ nutrient levels to confirm feeding and energy storage using anthrone and vanillin assays adapted for T. japonicus. Buckwheat, cilantro, and dill provided the best nectar sources for T. japonicus by improving median survival by 15, 3.5, and 17.5 days compared to water. These three nectar sources increased wasps’ sugar levels, and cilantro and dill also increased glycogen levels. Sweet alyssum, marigold, crimson clover, yellow mustard, and phacelia did not improve wasp survival or nutrient reserves. Further research is needed to determine if these flowers maintain their benefits in the field and whether they will increase the parasitism rate of H. halys.</jats:p>

Interactions between egg parasitoids and predatory ants for the biocontrol of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys

“…Crematogaster scutellaris is an ant that may play a useful role in pest management thanks to its common presence in agroecosystems and its predatory abilities against other pests such as the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.), the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus (Eichoff, 1876) or the stink bug N. viridula (Giannetti et al, 2022; Schifani, Giannetti, & Grasso, 2023; Schifani, Peri, Giannetti, Alınç, et al, 2023). Notably, both stink bugs and parasitoids are attracted by sugary nectars, whose provision may serve the purpose of manipulating their behaviour or enhancing their efficacy as biocontrol agents (Colazza et al, 2022; McIntosh et al, 2020; Schifani et al, 2020).…”

More Power with Flower for the Pupal Parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae: A Candidate for Biological Control of the Spotted Wing Drosophila

“…Sweet alyssum stays in flowers for a very long time, especially after one or two cuts; this thus matches perfectly with the proposed release period of the parasitoid from early summer to late autumn during susceptible stages of target crops (early and late ripening raspberries and blueberries). This plant ideally fulfills all the requirements for a suitable insectary plant and was found to increase fitness of various parasitoid species [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Hoverflies or predatory bugs, which can be important for controlling major berry pests, such as aphids or thrips, also benefit from sweet alyssum [ 41 , 42 , 43 ], making the introduction of this plant as a floral resource in berry production particularly worthwhile.…”

Screening insectary refugia plants that increase the performance of Diadegma semiclausum Hellen (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) against diamondback moth larvae

“…Parasitism of Nezara viridula (L.) adult by Trichopoda pennipes (F.) was higher in cotton planted with milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) or buckwheat (F. esculentum) rows compared to only cotton (Tillman 2017). Buckwheat, cilantro, and fennel provided the best nectar sources for Trissolcus japonicas, the egg parasitoid of Halyomorpha halys, with an average survival rate of 15, 3.5, and 17.5 days compared with water treatment (McIntosh et al 2020).…”