Optimum Weight of Host Larva for the Mass Multiplication of Goniozus Nephantidis Mues., the Larval Parasitoid of Opisina Arenosella Walker.
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Date
2007-02
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Abstract
The leaf eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker, is a major pest of coconut palm (Cocos nuclfera L). Goniozus nephantldls Mues. Is the most Important larval parasitoid used for the control of this pest. Mass multipfication of G. nephantidis is done in the laboratory on O. arenosella and the alternate host, Corcyra cephalonica S. Studies were carried out to find out the Influence of the host larval weight on the various biological parameters of G. nephantidis like the number of eggs laid/host larva, adult emergence, sex ratio of the progeny and egg to adult period. G. nephantidis was reared on five different weight categories, viz., 31-40 mg, 41-50 mg, 51-60 mg, 61-70 mg and above 70 mg of both the host larvae under laboratory conditions. All the above parameters except the number of male progeny were positively correlated with the weight of the host larva. Maximum number of eggs/larva (12.17), adult emergence (11.75) and number of female progeny (10.42) were recorded on Opisina larvae having weight above 70 mg. Similarly, on Corcyra also the maximum number of eggs/larva (11.82), adult emergence (11.18) and number of female progeny (10.18) were recorded in the same weight category. Between the same weight categories of Opisina and Corcyra, more number of eggs were laid on Opisina larvae. These observations suggest that host larvae, either Opisina or Corcyra, having an optimum weight of more than 70 mg are more suitable for mass multiplication of G. nephantidis.
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Opisina arenosella, Goniozus nephantidis, Corcyra cephalonica, Weight dependent parasitism
Citation
Plantation Crops Research and Development in the New Millennium,(Proceedings of PLACROSYM XIV) CPCRI, Kasaragod 2002 p452-455