ROLE OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THE PROGENY PRODUCTION OF AN ECTO-PUPAL PARASITOID, NESOLYNX THYMUS GIRAULT (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)
S.H. DIVYA *
PEST MANAGEMENT LAB., CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE, MYSORE-570 008, INDIA.
A.S. ARUNA *
PEST MANAGEMENT LAB., CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE, MYSORE-570 008, INDIA.
K. SATHYA PRASAD *
PEST MANAGEMENT LAB., CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE, MYSORE-570 008, INDIA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Photoperiod is known to influence the life cycle, sex-ratio and diapause of hymenopteran insects. Through studies on life cycle, parasitization potential and mass production of Nesolynx thymus have been well documented under laboratory conditions, there is dearth of information on the role of photoperiod on these parameters. In the present study an attempt has been made to understand the role of continuous exposure of N thymus to different periods of light and it has been observed to influence the parasitoid recovery. The results are discussed in relation to the duration of exposure to light.
Keywords: Photoperiod, progeny, ecto-pupal parasitoid, Nesolynx thymus, Hymenoptera