Aphidius colemani Vier. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) detected in cereal fields in Germany

Abstract

Studies conducted in the 2000 cropping season at two different localities, Flaeming and Magdeburger Boerde in Germany, have provided new information on cereal aphid (Sitobion avenae (F.), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)) parasitoids in winter wheat; their species composition, relative abundance, hosts, and location effects. The average aphid population density was higher at Magdeburger Boerde and lower at Flaeming. Among the aphid species, Sitobion avenae was more abundant at Flaeming and Metopolophium dirhodum at Magdeburger Boerde. In total, eight species of primary parasitoids were recorded: Aphidius colemani Viereck, Aphidius rhopalosiphi DeStefani Perez, Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, Aphidius ervi Haliday, Aphidius picipes (Nees), Ephedrus plagiator (Nees), Praon gallicumStarý, and Praon volucre (Haliday). The predominant parasitoid species were Aphidius colemani and Aphidius rhopalosiphi on Metopolophium dirhodum and Aphidius uzbekistanicus on Sitobion avenae. A low number of hyperparasitoids were also recorded. Aphidius colemani was recorded for the first time in the open winter wheat fields in Germany, although it has been used as a biocontrol agent in glasshouses in many European countries and overseas. An analysis of the aforementioned information shows that Aphidius colemani detected as a parasitoid of cereal aphids in Germany is likely a result of an accidental escape of parasitoids from a glasshouse, as well as their successful overwintering and establishment in the area. This study provides baseline information essential for assessing future changes in aphid parasitoid species guild and dynamics in cereal fields in Germany.