Temperature-dependent development ofHelicoverpa armigera(Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its larval parasitoid,Habrobracon hebetor(Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): implications for species interactions

Abstract

Habrobracon hebetor (Say) is a parasitoid of various Lepidoptera including Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), a key pest of different crops and vegetables. The development of both H. armigera and H. hebetor were simultaneously evaluated against a wide range of constant temperatures (10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5 and 40 °C). Helicoverpa armigera completed its development from egg to adult within a temperature range of 17.5-37.5 °C and H. hebetor completed its life cycle from egg to adult within a temperature range of 15-40 °C. Based on the Ikemoto and Takai model the developmental threshold (To) and thermal constant (K) to complete the immature stages, of H. armigera were calculated as 11.6 °C and 513.6 DD, respectively, and 13 °C and 148 DD, respectively, for H. hebetor. Analytis/Briere-2 and Analytis/Briere-1 were adjudged the best non-linear models for prediction of phenology of H. armigera and H. hebetor, respectively and enabled estimation of the optimum (Topt) and maximum temperature (Tmax) for development with values of 34.8, 38.7, 36.3, and 43 °C for host and the parasitoid, respectively. Parasitisation by H. hebetor was maximal at 25 °C but occurred even at 40 °C. This study suggests although high temperature is limiting to insects, our estimates of the upper thermal limits for both species are higher than previously estimated. Some biological control of H. armigera by H. hebetor may persist in tropical areas, even with increasing temperatures due to climate change.

Habrobracon hebetor and Pteromalus cerealellae as Tools in Post-Harvest Integrated Pest Management

“…The larval stages of H. hebetor are very sensitive to temperature. H. hebetor can survive and complete its life cycle within a temperature range of 15–40 °C [75]. The sex ratio of H. hebetor is affected by temperature and exposure time [69].…”

Molecular identification, characterization, and expression analysis of a novel trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich peptide from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…H. armigera is one of the most destructive polyphagous cosmopolitan insect pest species (Noor-ul-Ane et al 2018). Over recent decades, several pests have developed resistance against various families of synthetic insecticides (Shakeel et al 2017).…”

Synergy between parasitoids and pathogens for biological control of Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea

“…The soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. The gregarious ectoparasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an effective larval parasitoid of H. armigera (Noor-ul-Ane et al, 2018). In addition, a nulceopolyhedrovirus has been isolated that is selective to H. armigera (HaNPV), and is a safe and effective alternative to insecticides (Cherry et al, 2000).…”

“…Previous work has shown that HaNPV can be used successfully to control H. armigera on various crops, including citrus (Moore et al, 2004) and chickpea (Moshtaghi-Maleki et al, 2014;Ojha et al, 2017). The gregarious ectoparasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an effective larval parasitoid of H. armigera (Noor-ul-Ane et al, 2018). Because both entomopathogenic agents are most active against early-instar caterpillars (Pourmirza, 2000;Magholi et al, 2014;Sedaratian et al, 2014), and H. hebetor preferentially parasitizes later instars, the combined use of these agents could potentially result in additive mortality of larval stages and provide an effective and safe solution for H. armigera management on chickpea.…”