Effect of host species and host age on the reproductive performance and morphometrics of progenies of parasitoid, Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff)

Abstract

Laboratory investigations were undertaken at the Department of Studies in Sericulture Science, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, to understand the effects of host species and host age on the reproductive performance and morphometric characteristics of progenies of an indigenous endo-pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The parasitoid developmental durations were significantly longer in younger pupae of S. litura and older pupae of S. frugiperda. The mean values for progeny production were superior when the parasitoid developed in younger host when compared with older host of both the species. The longevity values for the progeny females did not differ when developed in pupae of both the ages of the hosts. Regarding morphometric parameters of the progeny males and females resulted from either age of hosts of both the species, the values were significantly superior fora greater number of parameters with younger hosts of S. frugiperda when compared with those with younger hosts of S. litura where the parameters have been shared by either category of hosts in terms of their superiority.