The effects of cold storage on the adult longevity, fecundity and sex ratio of apanteles galleriae wilkinson (Hym.: Braconidae)

Abstract

The effect of cold storage on the adult longevity, fecundity and sex ratio of Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson, a koinobiont, solitary and early instar larval endoparasitoid of the Small Wax Moth Achoria grisella Fabr. was investigated. The rearing of both parasitoid and host cultures and experiments related to the effect of storing Apanteles galleriae adults at low temperature (+ 6°C) were conducted at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH under a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D). Cold storage (+ 6°C) considerably influenced the adult longevity, fecundity and sex ratio of the parasitoid. Experimental evidence showed that 85.27% of adults died after a week and all the adults died within 15 days when parasitoid adults were stored at low temperature. The resistance of females to low temperatures was higher than that of males. Storage at low temperature significantly decreased adult fecundity and increased the rate of males in progeny.