CHAPTER ONE MASS PRODUCTION OF CHELONUS BLACKBURNI...

21

CHAPTER ONE

MASS PRODUCTION OF CHELONUS BLACKBURNI

CAMERON ON HOST PHTHORIMAEA

OPERCULELLA (ZELLER)

22

CHAPTER 1

MASS PRODUCTION OF CHELONUS BLACKBURNI CAMERON ON HOST

PHTHORIMAEA OPERCULELLA (ZELLER)

1.1 Introduction

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the management system that in the contest of

associated environment and population dynamics of pest species, utilized all suitable

techniques and methods in as compatible manner as possible and maintains pest

populations at levels below those causing economic injury. It is intergradation of all

suitable management techniques with natural regulating and limiting element of the

environment. It is multidisciplinary approach which includes all pest management tactics

coordinated in a unified programme and crop protection is considered as one aspect of

agroecosystem management and addresses the economic, ecological and social issues.

Integrated Pest Management through conventional techniques has often been found to be

difficult under intensive and exploitative practices of crop production. This system was

developed out of the need for all sustainable crop protection strategy against the

background of increasing pesticide use and deleterious effect of residues on the

environment (Ghorpade et.al. 2004). The intensive farming also introduced new pest

problems. To overcome these problems IPM strategy is an important aspect of pest

management. Considering the total cropped area, the probable requirement of the

bioagents is very high. To cater the need it is necessary to promot the efforts for

production of bioagents in the state, for that we have to take efforts from mass production

23

of important bioagents like predators and parasitoids. The parasitoids have played

important role in the biosuppression of insect pests showing unnoticeable evidence of

resistance as well as flareback. On the other hand, this approach of pest control does not

leave toxic residue or harmful effects after application which is desirable n crops.

Vegetables being a major dietary constituent of humans are badly damaged by certain

lepidopterous pests during vegetative as well reproductive stages of the crops and costs

direct damage inflicting huge losses. All types of vegetables crops are most widely grown

in india. Since these vegetables grown all the year round, the caterpillar pests receive the

source of food throughout the year and the pest ultimately become endemic (Anonymous,

1991, 1999).

The pest control strategies till today mainly governed with the use of chemical pesticides,

which posed several problems including environmental pollution and health hazards. The

various chemicals insecticides effective for the control of this pest are bound to live

undesirable toxic residues or/in fruits, destined for human consumption also it leads to

killing natural enemies of pests resulting in their resurgence and development of

resistance. Thus routine insecticides application would harm the delicate balance between

the insect pests and natural enemies besides increasing the cost of control majors. Hence

biological separation of such pests plays an important role in this regard.

The purposes of rearing beneficial insects parasitoids in the laboratory may be to study

the insect itself, to supply routinely for release for biological control. Not all insects can

be reared in large numbers in the laboratory. The important qualities required in a

laboratory reared insect are short life cycle, high biotic potential, simple food

requirement, and alternative hosts.

24

Amongst different kinds of bioagents; parasitoids either monophgous or to some extent

oligophagous ones are widely accepted in pest control. However parasitoids like

Chelonus blackburni Cameron (Braconidae:Hymenopetera) is one of the dominant and

bodily stout exotic parasitoid accepting parasitization in certain lepidopteran range. It is

an egg – larval, endoparasitoid and uniparental parasitoid introduced from Hawaii , USA,

which has fairly wide host range for lepidopetara (Raj et al., 1999). The potentials of

Chelonus blackburni has been evaluated against few lepidoetaran pest by earlier research

workers from parasitoization as well efficiency point of view. The parasitoids showed

parasitism in fresh eggs of Helicoverpa armigera laid on the leaves of pigeon pea

(Cajanus cajan) plant (Rangadhamaiah, et al., 1987).

Use of C. blackburni gave good control of cotton ballworms (Pawar and Prasad, 1985).

For biocontrol purpose the large amount of parasitoid culture is required , hence mass

production is an important aspect in biological control programme.

We therefore used Phthorimaea opercuella (Zeller) and Corcyra cephalonica Stanton to

study the production of host insect. Hatching percentage, parasitization of host eggs by

parasitoid are the main aspect for the production of alternative host. This aspect we

studied in laboratory for efficient multiplication of Chelonus blackburni and determine

the most suitable laboratory host for the mass rearing of parasitoid. So in present study,

we focus on the different aspects of mass production of C. blackburni on Phthorimaea

opercueela (Zeller) and Corcyra Cephalonica Stainton and in the laboratory.

25

1.2 Materials and Methods

Rearing of H. armigera larvae in the laboratory: Actively feeding H. armigera larvae

were collected from fields (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, India). These

were maintained on chickpea based-artificial diet (AD) (Nagarkatti and Prakash, 1974) in

laboratory under controlled conditions at temperature 27°C, humidity 60% and

photoperiod 16:8. To ensure greater genetic homogeneity among test populations, insects

were maintained on AD for three generations. The larval excrements were cleaned daily

from the plastic vials and provided fresh pieces of diet. The larvae grew within two week

and pupated. The pupae were collected and kept in a glass jar. The glass jar was closed

with a fine muslin cloth. Two petri dishes having water soaked cotton wool were kept in

the glass jar to maintain humidity.

Adult moths emerged from the pupae after 6-10 days which were collected every

morning and transferred in to the glass jar and cover the glass jar with muslin cloth.

Mating occurred 1–2 days after adult emergence. Adults can be sexed based on the

colouration pattern of the wings. Females are chocolate brown coloured with variations in

colour intensity, whereas males are pale brown. After a preoviposition period of 2 - 3

days, eggs were laid inner side of covered muslin cloth. Adults survive for 8 - 10 days

life. Moths were maintained in the jar until death. Honey (10%) was provided to the

adults as a food on a cotton swab at the bottom of the cage. The adult food was changed

on alternate days. The eggs laid on inner side of muslin cloth were collected daily and

treated with 0.1% sodium hypochloride solution and kept in a plastic box (10 × 5 cm)

filled air. The eggs from each pair were kept in separate boxes. After hatching, neonate

larvae were transferred into a plastic vials containing small cubes of AD. Ones larvae

26

become cannibastics, they were transferred individually into separate plastic vials.

Experiments were conducted by feeding H. armigera larvae on artificial diet. Ingredients

required to prepare AD is given in Table 2.2.1

Table 2.2.1. Composition of AD used to rear H. armigera under laboratory

conditions.

Part A Quantity (gm)

Chick pea flour 105

Methyl-4-hydrocyl benzoate 2.00

Ascorbic acid 3.25

Sorbic acid 1.00

Streptonic sulphate 0.25

Vitamin E 2 Capsules

Multivitamin tablet 2 tablets

Formalin (10%) 4.00

Part B

Agar-agar 12.75

Yeast 10.00

These whole Ingredients were prepared in 780 ml of water. Entire diet ingredients of part

A were mixed thoroughly in a mixing bowl to avoid clot formation. Methyl-4-hydroxyl

benzoate being insoluble in water was dissolve in ethyl alcohol. This was boiled on hot

plate by adding 150 ml distilled water. For Part B agar was sprinkled in boiling water

27

with continuous stirring and then yeast was sprinkled. After removing the ingredients

from the hot plate part A and part B were mixed quickly to avoid solidification. The

prepared diet was poured in tray and kept in refrigerator.

Hatching percentage of H. armigera:

Total 100 fresh eggs in five different lots were maintained separately and numbers of

eggs hatched out from each lot were recorded.

Parasitization of C. blackburni to H. armigera eggs:

The parasitization by C. blackburni was studied by exposing 100 eggs of H. armigera to

adult parasitoids in five repeats. The parasitized egg-sheet was replaced at 48 h interval

by fresh unparasitized eggs up to 8-9 days of the adult parasitoids life period for

oviposition. The parasitized egg-sheets were then transferred to labelled plastic jars

containing sufficient quantity of AD. The number of adults parasitoids emerged were

counted from each jar. To study the parasitization by C. blackburni on H. armigera, the

parasitoid and host eggs were maintained at a ratio of 1:100, 2:100, 3:100, 4:100 and

5:100 with four replications. The observation on per cent parasitization was recorded

after the egg incubation period.

Development of C. blackburni on H. armigera:

Developmental period recorded to complete one generation from egg to adult for host and

parasitoid.

28

Mass production of host insects:

Potato tuber moth Phthorimaea opercuella (Zeller):

The host insect, Phthorimaea opercuella was mass reared in laboratory for obtaining

sufficient number of eggs for mass production of C. blackburni. The initial culture of

Phthorimaea opercuella as an egg sheet was obtained from the Biological Control

Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology Section, College of Agriculture, Pune. Mass

rearing of Potato tuber moth (PTM) was undertaken on stored potato throughout the

experimental period in the laboratory.

For mass rearing of PTM, medium sized potatoes were selected were cleaned with duster

cloth. The cleaned tubers were first nailed by rolling them on a puncturing brush (100

nails/ 1.25 sq cm) (Planter and Oatman., 1972). The punctured potato were placed in

rearing plastic basket over a layer of already sterilized coarsely sieved soil of about 1.5

cm thickness allowing 1.0 to 1.5 cm clearance between tubers. An egg – sheet was placed

on the top of the freshly punctured potato with the eggs side down (Platner and Oatman,

1972). The eggs used for infesting the tubers were about to hatch within a day. Each

rearing basket containing potato was held for larval feeding up to 15 days from the time,

the eggs hatched and the larvae entered the potatoes. The eggs hatching takes place at

26±2oC temperature. This procedure allowed the larvae sufficient time to develop up to

maturity and approximately 10 to 12 days they fed in the tuber before emerging to pupae.

After 15 days, the expended potatoes were discarded. Most of the larvae pupated in soil

by attaching themselves to bottom of the basket with a flat piece of sheet metal and

poured on a woven wire sieve to separate the excess soil from the pupae (Anonymous,

1996; 2000; Gomma et al. 1980).

29

The pupae were held in a wide mouth jar for 4 to 6 days as provided enough time for all

the months to emerge. The moths were collected daily and kept in an oviposition glass jar

covered with muslin cloths. The moths were provided with 20% honey solution soaked

in a cotton swab. After mating, females oviposited on the underside of the muslin cloth

on the top which has been placed on several 0.5 cm thick slices of potato to serve as an

attachment. New moths were added in oviposition jar and collect egg- sheet daily.

Production of C. blackburni on PTM:

Potatoes (0.5 kg) were taken in each plastic bowl and such six separate lots were

maintained for experimentation. The egg sheets of PTM each were having 100-600 eggs

in different bowls on duly punctured potatoes. The larvae hatching from PTM eggs were

future reared till formation on of pupae and emergence of moths (Kroschel and Koch,

1994). The observations on number of pupae and /or adults emerged were recorded.

Hatching percentage of PTM eggs:

Freshly laid eggs (100 eggs) by gravid females were maintained in five different lots

separately and numbers of eggs hatched out from each lot were recorded. The number of

eggs released in different bowls containing 0.5 kg food media of potato as in aspect I

above which gave maximum number of moth emergence was taken into account for

computation of food requirement of PTM larvae. The quantity of potato required for

rearing the hatched out larvae were estimated by considering hatching percentage of PTM

eggs.

30

Parasitization in PTM eggs by C. blackburni:

The parasitization by C. blackburni was determined by exposing 100 eggs of PTM to 1

parasitoid in five repeats. The egg sheets were replaced after every 48 h and fresh

unparasitized one day old eggs of PTM were provided up to 8-9 days life of the adult

parasitoid for oviposition. The parasitized eggs were then transfer to labelled plastic

bowls containing duly punctured potatoes. The number of adult Parasitoids emerged were

counted from each bowl (Ballal, 1991). Developmental time of C. blackburni on PTM

egg to adult was recorded for five generation.

Developmental period of C. blackburni on PTM eggs:

Developmental period of egg to adult was recorded for host and parasitoid for five

generations.

Mass production of Rice Moth, Corcyra cephalonica stainton:

The initial culture of C. cephalonica was obtained from the National Bureau of

Agriculturally Important Insects (ICAR), Bangalore and mass multiplied in the lab. A

good quality wheat grains used for consumption were taken and milled coarsely to make

3-4 pieces of each grain. These grains were treated with 0.1 % formalin spray to avoid

development of mould and also retain moisture to the extent of 15-16%. These gains were

air dried to remove traces of formaline. The rearing of Corcyra was undertaken in

wooden boxes of 45x30x15 cm size with well fitted lid having four holes (2 cm diameter)

at equidistance closed with fine wire mesh for aeration. Each Corcyra rearing box was

filled with 2.5 kg crushed wheat grains and inoculated with 0.5 cc eggs of Corcyra. The

yeast powder of 2 g per 2.5 kg crushed grains was added in each rearing boxes to enhance

31

the nutritive value of the food material. These boxes were kept undisturbed for about 30

days at 27 ± 20 C temperatures and 70 ± 5 % relative humidity for ideal development of

larval and pupal stages of Corcyra. The moths emerged from pupae in the rearing boxes

were collected with the help of aspirator. These moths were the transferred to oviposition

cage (20x20x20 cm) fitted with 20 mesh wire sieve at bottom for egg laying which was

placed on rectangular funnel shaped iron stand. A glass beaker (100 ml) was kept below

the funnel for egg collection. The eggs were collected daily. Newly collected moths were

replaced by dead ones in the oviposition cage. From the harvested eggs, one third

quantity of eggs were used for reculturing the host insect and remaining were used for

mass culturing of the parasitoid C. blackburni.

Production of C. blackburni on Corcyra Cephalonica

Crushed wheat grains (200 gm) were taken in each plastic bowl and such six separate lots

were maintained for experiments. Based on the results of pilot reading and earlier reports,

about 1 cc eggs (1cc eggs =18,000 eggs) of Corcyra pasted on card (egg card) was

parasitized with 400 adults of C. blackburni. Then the parasitized egg card of Corcyra cut

into small bits. Each bits having 100 to 500 eggs were released in different bowls

containing crushed wheat grains which were further reared till formation of pupae and

emergence of Corcyra moths as well as adults of C. blackburni (EL-Buzz et al.1979). The

observations on number of adults of C. cephalonica and C. blackburni emerged were

recorded.

32

Hatching percentage of C. cephalonica eggs:

Total 100 fresh eggs in five different lots were maintained separately and numbers of

eggs hatched out from each lot were recorded.

Parasitization in C. cephalonica eggs by C. blackburni:

The parasitization by C. blackburni was carried out by exposing 100 eggs of Corcyra to

one adult parasitoid in five repeats. The parasitized egg-card was replaced at 48 h interval

by fresh unparasitized eggs up to 8-9 days of the adult parasitoids life period for

oviposition. The parasitized egg cards were then transferred to labelled plastic bowls

containing crushed wheat grains. The number of adult parasitoids emerged were counted

from each bowl (Anonymous, 2000; Manoharan, 1982).

Developmental period of C. blackburni on C. cephalonica:

Developmental period of egg to adult was recorded for host and parasitoid for five

generations.

2.2.6. Mass production of an egg-larval parasitoid C. blackburni Cameron (Braconidae:

Hymenoptera):

A nucleus culture C. blackburni was obtained from Biological Control Laboratory of

Agriculture Entomology Section, College of Agriculture, Pune and National Bureau of

Agriculturally Important Insects (ICAR), Bangalore. Mass rearing of the parasitoid was

carried out at 27 ±10C temperature and 65±5 % relative humidity.

This parasitoid was mass reared on PTM. The egg sheet of PTM each containing 1000-

1500 eggs was obtained and each egg sheet was stapled on a thick drawing sheet (20x15

33

cm). In each jar eggs sheet were placed in slanting position for facilitating easy exposure

of all eggs to the parasitoids for parasitization. The newly emerged adult parasitoids were

released in the oviposition jar in a parasitoid: host ration of 1:50 being ideal for obtaining

the maximum percentages progeny production from one day old eggs. The parasitoid in

oviposition jar provided with 50% honey solution in cotton swab. A PTM eggs were kept

for parasitization for 2 days then these egg sheet were replaced by another such two eggs

sheet. The parasitoid egg- sheet was put over layer of punctured healthy uninfested tubers

with egg side down. The parasitized larvae hatched out from the eggs and infest tubers.

The infested tubers were then placed in another basket already provided with a layer of

coarsely sieved sterilized soil at bottom for pupation and the top with fine wire mesh.

After three weeks, the totally expended potatoes were discarded and earthen pupae were

separated by sieving the soil. Thus, the silvary white pupae of C. blackburni were

collected and kept in a glass tube plugged with cotton. The parasitoid took 26±1.5 days to

complete its development in eggs as well as larvae of PTM and emerged from the pupae.

1.3 Results

Rearing of Helicoverpa armigera larvae in the laboratory:

The parasitoid C. blackburni parasitizes H. armigera. This insect is amenable to

undertaken mass production on semi synthetic artificial diet under laboratory conditions

throughout the year. Hence the attempt was made to mass rear the parasitoid using H.

armigera as host insect.

34

Hatching percentage of H. armigera:

In this laboratory experiment, total 500 eggs obtained from healthy pairs of H. armigera

kept separately in five different lots which were observed daily for hatching and data are

presented in Table 1. Out of 500 eggs, 443 were hatched out. Thus the hatching was

88.6%.

Table No. 2.3.2 Hatching percentage of H. armigera

Lot No. No. of eggs/lot Moth Percent hatching

1 100 90

2 100 89

3 100 85

4 100 91

5 100 88

Total 500 443 88.6

Parasitization of C. blackburni to H. armigera eggs:

The parasitization by C. blackburni was studied by exposing 100 eggs of H. armigera to

one to five adults of parasitoids C. blackburni in five repeats.

The data from Table 2.3.3 showed that out of 100 eggs of H. armigera provided for

parasitism to five adults of C. blackburni (5 adults /100 eggs), 325 adults of C.

blackburni were emerged. Thus parasitism was worked out to 65%. For getting more

35

number of parasitoids, five adults of C. blackburni can use for parasitized 100 eggs of H.

armigera.

Table No. 2.3.3. Parasitization of C. blackburni to H. armigera eggs:

Lot No. No. of

eggs/lot

No. of

parasitized

released/lot

No. of adults

parasitoids

emerged/lot

Parasitism (%)

1 100 1 35.5 35.5±1.81

2 100 2 40.4 40.4±1.51

3 100 3 54.2 54.2±4.02

4 100 4 60 60±2.23

5 100 5 65 65±4.24

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1 2 3 4 5

Para

sitism

(%)

Parasitoid/100 eggs

Figure 1. Parasitization of C. blackburni in H. armigera

36

Developmental period of C. blackburni on H. armigera:

Developmental time recorded to complete one generation from egg to adult for host and

parasitoid. 33.5 ± 1.9 and for parasitoid it was 28.6 ± 2.8.

Mass production of C. blackburni on P. opeculella (PTM) (Zeller):

The egg- larval parasitoid, C. blackburni was mass reared in the laboratory using

different host insects viz. PTM, C. cephalonica.

Production of C. blackburni on PTM:

Table No. 4.2.1 shows that the number of pupae ranged from 70 to 127 and moths

emerged ranged from 56 to 108 were developed when 100 to 600 eggs of PTM were

released on 0.5 kg potato. The maximum pupae (175) and moths (155) were received

from the bowl of where in 500 eggs of PTM were released in 0.5kg of potatoes.

Table No. 2.3.5.1. Production of C. blackburni on PTM:

Sr. No. No. of eggs released per bowl (0.5kg potato)

No. of pupae collected

No. of moths emerged

1 100 70 76

2 200 60 46

3 300 100 81

4 400 153 84

5 500 175 155

6 600 127 108

2.3.5.2. Hatching percentage of PTM eggs:

The results indicated that out of 500 eggs 445 eggs of PMT were hatched out and the

hatching was 89.00 percent.

37

Table No. 2.3.5.2 Hatching percentage of PTM eggs:

Lot No No. of eggs/lot No. of eggs hatched out/lot Percent hatching

1 100 92

2 100 91

3 100 89

4 100 87

5 100 86

Total 500 445 89.0

2.3.5.3. Parasitization in PTM eggs by C. blackburni:

The data showed that out of 500 eggs of PTM provided for parasitization to C. blackburni

adults, the eggs were parasitized and 384 pupae of the parasitoid received and thus the

parasitism was worked out to 79.4 %.

Table No. 2.3.5.3 Parasitization in PTM eggs by C. blackburni:

Lot No

No. of PTM eggs /lot

No. of parasitoid released/lot

No. of pupae of the parasitoid received

No. of adults parasitoids emerged

Parasitism (%)

1 100 1 80 63 2 100 1 78 57 3 100 1 81 64 4 100 1 79 57 5 100 1 79 60 Total 500 5 397 301 79.4

Percent adult parasitoid emergence from pupae = 75.81

38

Developmental period of C. blackburni on PTM eggs:

Developmental period recorded to complete one generation from egg to adult for host

25.5 ± 2.1 and for parasitoid it was 26.7 ± 1.5 days.

Mass production of C. blackburni on C. cephalonica:

The parasitoid, C. blackburni accepts the factitious host, C. cephalonica and parasitizes

its eggs under laboratory condition. Therefore, an attempt of mass culturing of C.

cephalonica was made for the production of C. blackburni

Table No. 2.3.6.1 Production of C. blackburni on C. cephalonica:

C. cephalonica is factitious host of C. blackburni and parasitizes the host eggs under

laboratory conditions but the developmental period of parasitoid egg as well as larval

stages C. cephalonica found prolong upto 43.5 ± 3.5. Moreover it was difficult to sort

out the pupae of the parasitoid from the thick crust of crushed wheat grains. On the besis

of pilot trial and reports of earlier workers (Anonymous, 2000), and adults of C.

blackburni found to parasitize 70 to 100 eggs of C. cephalonica pasted on egg-card. From

the present study for the production of the host insect and the parasitoid showed

maximum moths of C. cephalonica and C. blackburni from the jar containing 200gm

crushed wheat grains inoculated with 500 and 600 eggs respectively.

39

Table No. 2.3.6.1 Production of C. blackburni on C. cephalonica:

Sr. No.

No. of eggs released per bowl (0.5kg potato)

Quantity of crushed Wheat grains (g)

No. of Corcyra moths emerged

No. of adults of C. blackburni emerged

Total

1 100 200 25 47 72 2 200 200 77 91 168 3 300 200 60 169 229 4 400 200 80 81 161 5 500 200 75 143 218 6 600 200 155 68 223

2.3.6.2. Hatching percentage of C. cephalonica:

For find out hatching percentage of C. cephalonica, total 500 eggs were kept in five

different lots each with 100 eggs and numbers of eggs hatched out per lot were counted.

The data recorded daily and are presented in table. Out of 500 eggs, 420 eggs were

hatched out and the hatching was 84 %.

Table No. 2.3.6.2. Hatching percentage of C. cephalonica:

Lot No.

No. of eggs/lot

No. of eggs hatched /lot

Percent hatching

1 100 84

2 100 85

3 100 80

4 100 84

5 100 87

Total 500 420 84

40

2.3.6.3. Parasitization on C. cephalonica eggs by C. blackburni:

The data showed that out of 500 eggs of Corcyra provided for parasitism to C. blackburni

adults, 328 adults of C. blackburni were emerged and thus, the parasitism was worked out

to 65.6 percent.

Table No. 2.3.6.3. Parasitization in Corcyra eggs by C. blackburni:

Lot No.

No. of Corcyra eggs/lot

No. of adult parasitoids emerged

Percent parasitism

1 100 63 2 100 65 3 100 64 4 100 69 5 100 67

Total 500 328 65.6

2.3.6.4. Developmental period of C. blackburni on C. cephalonica eggs:

Developmental time recorded to complete one generation from egg to adult for host 53.5

± 2.1and for parasitoid it was 43.5 ± 3.5 days.

41

2.3.7. Comparison of production of C. blackburni on PTM and C. cephalonica:

Figure. 2 Production of C. blackburni on PTM & C. cephalonica

From 300 parasitized eggs of C. cephalonica gives maximum numbers of C. blackburni

adults with compare to PTM, but for 500 eggs, C. cephalonica gives less number of

parasitoid adults PTM

0102030405060708090

100

Hatching of PTM eggs (%)

Hatching of Corcyra eggs (%)

Adult

s eme

rged (

%)

. Figure 3. Hatching percentages of C. blackburni on PTM and C. cephalonica Hatching percentage of PTM shows 89% which is a maximum than C. cephalonica

(84%).

42

2.3.8. Comparison of parasitism of C. blackburni on PTM and C. cephalonica:

Figure. 4. Parasitization in PTM & Corcyra eggs by C. blackburni

The percent parasitism by C. blackburni on PTM eggs is 65.6 % and on C. cephalonica is

79.4.

2.3.9. Comparison of developmental period of C. blackburni on PTM and C.

cephalonica eggs:

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

PTM C. chephalonica

Days

Figure 5. Developmental period of C.blackburni on PTM & C. cephalonica eggs Total development of C. blackburni from egg to adult takes 26.7 ± 1.5 days on PTM

eggs and on C. cephalonica parasitoid takes 43.5 ± 3.5 days.

43

1.4 Discussion

The potential of C. blackburni has been evaluated against few lepidopteran pests by

earlier research workers from parasitization as well as efficiency point of view. This

parasitoid showed parasitism on fresh eggs of H. armigera laid on leaves of pigeon pea

(Cajanus cajan) plant (Rangadhamaiah et al., 1987). Use of C. blackburni gave good

control of cotton bollworm (Pawar et al., 1986; Thanavendan and S. Jeyarani 2009,

Jackson 1979) but super parasitization by C. blackburni was highest in eggs of C.

cephalonica and P. opercullela (Rangadhamaiah et al., 1984). To avoid super

parasitisation, the parasitoid host ratio is necessary to study. C. blackburni deposited eggs

inside the H. armigera egg. First and second instars of parasitoid are endoparasitic but

3rd instar is endoparasitic in early developmental stage and ectoparasitic later.

Endoparasitic stage feed primarily on hemolymph (Jackson et al., 1979).

To evaluate the efficacy of the parasitoid C. blackburni against H. armigera, hatching

percentage of H. armigera and percentage parasitization by C. blackburni were studied in

laboratory. We found hatching percentage of H. armigera was 88% and parasitic

potential of C. blackburni showed that the highest parasitization of 65% was recorded

against H. armigera, respectively at a parasitoid host ratio of 5:100 (Table No.4.1.2). In

agreement with the results of the present study, Rangadhamaiah et al., (1987) reported

50% parasitization against H. armigera by C. blackburni. By release of single parasitoid

not have the expected result but by using parasitoid host ratio of 5:100 gave maximum

number of percentage parasitization for control of H. armigera.

Production and timely availability of C. blackburni are the major constraints for

application of this parasitoid in fields. Requirement of huge amount parasitoid to control

44

pests is also one of the major limitations. Hence their mass production is an important

aspect in biological control programme. Rearing of beneficial insects in the laboratory in

optimum conditions is obligate option.

In the present study, mass production of C. blackburni in laboratory is successfully

carried out on Phthorimaea opercuella (PTM) (Zeller) and Corcyra cephalonica

Stainton. Also we found most suitable host for rearing of parasitoids C. blackburni. The

results obtained maximum number of parasitoid adults emerged was recorded at the

density of 500 eggs of PTM (Table 4.2.1). 155 adults of C. blackburni were obtained

from 500 PTM eggs but for same number of eggs of C. cephalonica gave 143 parasitoid

adults which was less than parasitoid emerged from PTM but we found that for 300 eggs

of C. cephalonica maximum number of parasitoid adults was emerged which was 169.

Ballal and Kumar (1991) reported response of C. blackburni to different densities of eggs

of PTM for maximum production and Sarkate et al (1978) and Swamiappan and

Balasubramanian (1990) had successfully mass multiplied of C. blackburni by using C.

cephalonica. For mass production of host insects, PTM adults showed more hatching

percentage than C. cephalonica which was 89%. The percent parasitism by C. blackburni

in PTM eggs was recorded 79.4% and 65% in C. cephalonica eggs. Choudhari et al.

(1983) recorded 70% parasitism by C. blackburni on potato foliage and used for the

control of PTM and Verma and Mangat (1984) observed 60% parasitism in C.

cephalonica eggs when exposed to C. blackburni.

Developmental period of parasitoid from egg to adult was found to be influenced by the

developmental period of host. We found significant differences among the development

periods of host and developmental period of parasitoid. Number of parasitoid adult

45

emerged was considered as the number of egg parasitized (Kumar et.al, 1990). There

were a significance difference among the developmental period of C. blackburni on PTM

and C. cephalonica was observed. The parasitoid successfully completed their

development and emerged when the host reached prepupal stage (Ballal and Kumar,

1991). Parasitoid develops much faster in P. opercullela when compared with C.

cephalonica as host. From laboratory study, percentages of hatching and parasitism and

developmental period of both host P. operculella (PTM) and C. cephalonica, P.

operculella found more conveniently advantageous and suitable to mass breed of C.

blackburni under laboratory conditions.

46

1.5 References

Ables, J.R. and Vinson S.B, (1981). Regulation of host larval development by the egg-

larval endoparasitoid Chelonus insularis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Entomophaga 26:

453–458.

Anonymous, (1991). A report submitted to the research review Sub-committee Meeting

in Agricultural Entomology and Nematology. 1990-91. Mahatma Phule Krishi

Vidhyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra State), 31(Unpublished).


in Agricultural Entomology and Nematology. 1990-91. Mahatma Phule Krishi


Anonymous, (1999). Area under major fruits and vegetables in Maharashtra Epitome of

agriculture Part-I, Commissioner of agriculture, M.S.


in Agricultural Entomology and Nematology. 1990-91.Mahatma Phule Krish


Ballal, C. R. and Kumar, P. (1991). Responces of Chelonus blackburni to different ages

and dencities of potato tuber moth eggs. Entomophaga, 35(3):329-333.

Beckage, N.E, (1985). Endocrine interactions between endoparasitic insects and their

hosts. Annual Review of Entomology, 30: 371–413.

47

Beckage, N.E., and Riddiford, L.M. (1978). Developmental interactions between the

tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta and its braconid parasite Apanteles congregatus.

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 23: 139–151.

Bell, H. A., Marris, G. C. Bell J. and Edwards J. P., (2000). The biology of Meteorus

gyrator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a solitary endoparasitoid of the tomato moth,

Lacanobia oleracea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Bull. Entomol. Res. 90(4): 299–308.

Bourchier, R. (1991).Growth and development of Compsilura concinnata (Meigan)

(Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitizing gypsy moth larvae feeding on tannin diets. The

Canadian Entomolo- gist, 123: 1047–1055.

Brewer, F. D., and King, E. G. (1978). Effects of parasitism by a tachinid, Lixophaga

diatraeae, on growth and food consumption of sugarcane borer larvae. Annals of the

Entomological Society of America, 71: 19–22.

Buhler, A., Hanzlik T. N. and Hammock B. D. (1985). Effects of parasitization of

Tricloplusia ni by Chelonus sp. Physiol. Entomol. 10: 383–394.

Choudhari, R., Prasad, T. and Raj, B.T.(1983). Field evaluation of some exotic

parasitoids of potato tuber moth. Phthorimaea operculella (Zell). Indian J. Ent., 45(4):

504-506.

Couchman, J.R., and King, P.E. (1979). Effect of the parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae on the

feeding rate of its host Brevicoryne brassicae. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata,

25: 9–15.

48

Cunningham J. P, Zalucki M. P, and West S. A. (1999). Learning in Helicoverpa

armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a new look at the behaviour and control of a

polyphagous pest. Bulletin of Entomological Research 89: 201-207.

Duodu, Y. A., and Antoh, F. F. (1984). Effects of parasitism by Apanteles sagax (Hym.:

Braconidae) on growth, food consumption and food utilization in Sylepta degogata larvae

(Lep.: Pyralidae). Entomophaga, 29: 63–71.

Gangrade, G.A., (1954). Bionomics and biology and rate of reproduction of Apanteles

angaleti Muesbeck. (Vipionidae: Hymenoptera) an endoparasite of the pink bollworm of

cotton Pectinophora (Platydra) gossypiella (Saunders) (Gelechidae: Lepidoptera). M.Sc.

Thesis, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India: 178.

Ghorpade S. A, Chandale A. G, and Pokharkar D. S. (2004). Production and use of

bioagents in crop pest management. MPKV Edn Pub,no.: 24.

Grossniklaus-Burgin, C., Wyler T., Pfister- R. and B. Lanzrein, (1994). Biology and

morphology of the parasitoid Chelonus inanitus (Braconidae, Hymenoptera) and effects

on the development of its host Spodoptera littoralis (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera). Invertebr.

Reprod. Dev. 25: 143–158.

Guillot, F. S. and Vinson S. B. (1973). Effect of parasitism by Cardiochiles nigriceps on

food consumption and utilization by Heliothis virescens. J. Insect Physiol., 19:2073-

2082.

Jackson C. G, Delph J. S. and Neemann E. G. (1979). Development, longevity and

fecundity of Chelonus blackburni (hym.: Braconidae) as a parasite of pectinophora

gossypiella. (lep.: gelechhdae ). Entomophaga, 23 : 35-42.

49

Jackson C. G, Neemann E. G. (1979). Parasitization of 6 lepidopteran cotton pests by

chelonus blackburni (hym. : braconida). Entomophaga, 24 (I), 99-105.

Jones D., Jones G., Rudnicka M., CkiclA., Reck- Malleczewen V. and Iwaya M. (1986).

Pseudoparasitism of host Trichoplusia ni by s as a new model system for parasite

regulation of host physiology. J. Insect Physiol. 32: 315–328.

Kaeslin, M., Pfister-Wilhelm R. and Lanzrein B. (2005). Influence of the parasitoid

Chelonus inanitus and its polydnavirus on host nutritional physiology and implications

for parasitoid development. J. Insect Physiol. 51: 1330–1339.

Kroschel, J. and Koch, W. (1994). Studies on Population dynamics of popatp tuber moth,

Phthorimea operculella Zeller. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the Republic of Yemen.

J.Appl.Ento., 118 (4-5).

Kumar P. and Ballal C. R. (1992). The effect of parasitism by Hyposoter didymator

(Hym.: Ichneumonidae) on food consumption and utilization by Spodoptera litura (Lep.:

Noctuidae).

Lewis, W. J., and Burton, R. L. (1970). Rearing Microplitis in the laboratory with

Heliothis zea as hosts. J. Econ. Entomol. 63: 656-658.

Manoharan V. and Balasubramanian M. (1982). Host parasitoid density response to

fecundity of Chelonus Blackburni Cam. Proc. Indian natn. Sci.Acad. B48 No.2 pp. 214-

217.

50

Morales J. Medina P. and Vinuela E. (2007). The influence of two endoparasitic wasps,

Hyposoter didymator and Chelonus inanitus, on the growth and food consumption of

their host larva Spodoptera littoralis. BioControl, 52:145–160.

Mustafizur, R., (1970). Effect of parasitism on food consumption of Pieris rapae larvae.

J. Econ. Entomol. 63: 820–821.

Nagarkatti S, Prakash A. (1974). Rearing Heliothis armigera (Hubn) on artificial diet.

Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Bangalore, Technical Bulletin.17:169–

173.

Ohnuma, Y. and Y. Kainoh, (1992). Effect of parasitism by Ascogaster reticulatus

(Hym.: Braconidae) on growth of the host, Adoxophyes sp. (Lep.: Tortricidae).

Entomophaga 37(2): 327–332.

Parker, F. D., and Pinnell, R. E. (1973). Effect on food consumption of the imported

cabbageworm when parasitized by two species of Apanteles. Environmental Entomology,

2: 216–219.

Pawar, A. D. and Prasad. (1985). Evaluation of some exotic parasite in biocontrol of

cotton bollworm in Haryana. Indiab J.Pl.Prot.13 :21-24.

Pawar, C. S. Bhatnagar, V. S. and Jadhav, D. R. (1986). Helicoverpa species and their

natural enemies with their potential for biological control. Proceeding of Indian Academy

of Sciences (Animal Sciences). 95:697-703.

51

Powell, J. E., (1989). Food consumption by tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

larvae reduced after parasitization by Microplitis demolitor or M. croceipes

(Hymenoptera: Braconidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 82: 408–411.

Quicke, D. L. J., (1997). Physiological interactions of parasitic wasps and their hosts.

Parasitic wasps. Chapman and Hall, London, UK.

Raj, J. Rajendra, B. and Pappaih, C. M. (1999). Management of brinjal shoot and fruit

borer (Leucinodes orbonalis). Veg. Sci., 26(2): 167-169.

Rangadamaiah, K., Thontarya, T. S. and Rao, K. J.(1987). A note on presence of

Chelonus blackburnii Camron.

Rangadhamaiah K, Thontadarya T. S, Rao K. J, Jai-Rao K (1984). Bionomic of the egg-

larval parasite Chelonus blackburni Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on the ‘tur’

pod borer, Heliothis armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Mysore J Agri Sci 18:

203-207.

Rangadhamaiah, K, Thontadarya, T. S. and Rao, K. J.(1987a). A note on presence of

oviposition of Chelonus blackburni Cam. On Heliothis atmigera infesting different parts

of pigeon pea. Current Science.,16 (6):81.

Rangadhamaiah, K, Thontadarya, T. S. and Rao, K. J.(1987b). A note on presence of

oviposition of Chelonus blackburni Cam. On Heliothis atmigera infesting different parts

of pigeon pea. Current Science.,15 (9):12.

Rechav, Y. and Orion T, (1975). The development of the immature stages of Chelonus

inanitus. Ann. Entomol. Soc.Am.68:457-462.

52

Sarkate, M. B., Raodeo, A. K., Seeras, N.P. and Jamale.M. D. (1978). A note on recovery

of Chelonus blackburni (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) an exotic egg-larval parasite of

cotton bollworm. Current Science. 47(13):474.

Shi, Z. L. Shu-sheng and L. Yuan-xi, (2002). Cotesia plutellae parasitizing Plutela

xylostella: Host-age dependent parasitism and its effect on host development and food

consumption. Biocontrol 47: 499–511.

Smith, C. L. and Smilowitz Z, (1976). Growth and development of Pieris rapae larvae

parasitized by Apanteles glomeratus. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 19: 189–195.

SollerM. and Lanzrein B. (1996). Polydnavirus and venom of the egg-larval parasitoid

Chelonus inanitus (Braconidae) induce developmental arrest in the prepupa of its host

Spodoptora littoralis (Noctuidae). J. Insect Physiol. 42: 471–481.

Soo Hoo, C. F., and Seay, R. S. (1972). Effects of parasitism by Voria ruralis on the

feeding behavior of larvae of Trichoplusia ni. Israel Journal of Entomology, 7: 37–40.

Sultana, N., (2000). Parasitism of jute vaterpillar, Spilosoma oblique (Walker) in the field

of Bangladesh. BangladeshJ. J. Agric. Res., 6: 455-458.

Swamiappan, M. and Balasubramanian, M. (1990). Host parasitoid density response to

fecundity of Chelonus blackburni Cam. Proc. Indian Nat. Sci. Acad.,48(2):214-217.

Tanaka T. and Vinson S. B. (1991). Depression of prothoracic gland activity of Heliothis

virescens by venom and calyx fluids from the parasitoid, Cardiochiles nigriceps. J. Insect

Physiol. 37: 139–144.

53

Thanavendan, G. and Jeyarani S. (2009). Biointensive management of okra fruit borers

using braconid parasitoids (Braconidae: Hymenoptera). Tropical Agric. Res., 21: 39-50.

Thompson, S. N., (1982). Effects of parasitization by the insect parasite Hyposoter

exiguae on the growth, development, and physiology of its host Trichoplusia ni.

Parasitology 84: 491–510.

Verma, C. S. and Mangat,L. S.( 1984). Laboratory studies on superparasitization in

Chelonus blackburni (Cameron) (Braconidae: Hymenoptera). Entomon, 9 (4):297-303.

Vinson, S. B., (1990). How parasitoids deal with the immune system of their host: an

overview. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 13: 3–27.

Wani, M., Iwabuchi, K., Agui, N. and Mitsuhashi, J. (1997). Endocrine alteration and

precocious premetamorphic behaviors in the greater wax moth larvae, Galleria

mellonella, parasitized by an endoparasitoid, Apanteles galleriae. Arc. Insect Biochem.

Physiol. 34: 257−273.

CHAPTER ONE MASS PRODUCTION OF CHELONUS BLACKBURNI...

Documents

Transcript of CHAPTER ONE MASS PRODUCTION OF CHELONUS BLACKBURNI...