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Lost in space? Host-finding ability of the parasitoids Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae in empty grain storage facilities to control residual pest populations

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Abstract

We studied the ability of the parasitoid species Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) to locate populations of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Dryophtoridae) in grain residues. Experiments were conducted under laboratory and storage-like conditions. Generally both parasitoid species were able to find hosts up to 10 m from the release spot. Under laboratory conditions with excluded air movement and a centered light source, host finding was largely random, declining with increasing distance of baits from the release spot. Under storage-like conditions, host finding was strongly reduced and was not influenced by distance. A. calandrae seems to have been influenced by positive phototaxis. L. distinguendus showed a weaker host-finding success than A. calandrae, which was increased by a higher number of wasps from 10–50 per release. This resulted in a 5-fold higher number of parasitizations. It is discussed that host finding of residual pest populations by L. distinguendus and A. calandrae in empty storages is difficult to predict and influenced by light and air conditions. Based on our results, we provide recommendations for the release of parasitoids against residual pest populations.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Rainer Funk, chief of the experimental station of livestock biology and organic farming, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany for providing access to the storage facilities. Furthermore we are grateful to Conny Gantert for her dedication and knowledge about the rearing of insect and to many student assistants for their help. We also thank Joanna Fietz, Franz Langer and Marie Pollmann for their help during the review process. Steffi Niedermayer was financially supported by the Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Zoologie, FG Tierökologie 220c, Universität Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany

    Steffi Niedermayer & Johannes L. M. Steidle

  2. Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, Rosenstein 1, 70191, Stuttgart, Germany

    Lars Krogmann

Authors
  1. Steffi Niedermayer
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  2. Lars Krogmann
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  3. Johannes L. M. Steidle
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Correspondence to Johannes L. M. Steidle.

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Niedermayer, S., Krogmann, L. & Steidle, J.L.M. Lost in space? Host-finding ability of the parasitoids Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae in empty grain storage facilities to control residual pest populations. BioControl 61, 379–386 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9717-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9717-4

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