Effect of host species on some biological parameters of the egg parasitoid, Telenomus busseolae Gahan(Hym.: Scelionidae)

The sugarcane stem borers, Sesamia cretica Led. and S. nonagrioides Lef. are the most important pests of sugarcane in Iran. The egg parasitoid wasp, Telenomus busseolae Gahan is the most important natural enemy of Sesamia spp. in Khuzestan province that play an important role in regulating populations of sugarcane stem borers. In order to evaluate the effect of host species on T. busseolae a laboratory investigation was carried out. Adult longevity, oviposition period, preoviposition period, fecundity and sex ratio of T. busseolae were studied on two hosts at three constant temperatures (20±1, 25±1 and 30±1 ºC). Results of analysis of variance showed that temperature had a significant effect on adult period, preoviposition period and fecundity of T. busseolae (P< 0.001) and had no effect on progeny sex ratio on both hosts. Oviposition period significantly affected by temperature on S. cretica (P< 0.001) and not affected on S. nonagrioides. Total fecundity of T. busseolae at all temperatures tested was higher on S. cretica than S. nonagrioides. Based on our results S. cretica eggs are the most favorable host for T. busseolae.