| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4504278 | Biological Control | 2011 | 5 Pages |
In support of an ongoing study to evaluate potential farmscaping plants for utilization in organic vegetable production systems, we examined the effects of the nectar of three flowering plant species, sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), and licorice mint (Agastache foeniculum), on the lifespan and body nutrient levels of the wasp, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a key parasitoid of some caterpillar pests of vegetable crops in the USA. The greatest longevity (∼16 days) was recorded for honey-fed wasps (positive control). Buckwheat significantly increased the lifespan of female and male wasps by at least two-fold relative to wasps provided water only (longevity = 3–4 days). Licorice mint significantly increased female longevity and numerically increased male longevity. Sweet alyssum slightly increased longevity of both sexes but this was not significantly different from the water only control. Females had a significantly longer longevity than males on all the diet treatments. The greatest carbohydrate nutrient levels (sugar content and glycogen) were recorded in honey-fed wasps followed by wasps fed buckwheat, whereas very little nutrients were detected in wasps provided sweet alyssum, licorice mint or water only. However, female wasps were observed to attempt to feed on all three flowering plant species. Thus, the low nutrient levels detected in wasps provided sweet alyssum or licorice mint may be because the nectars were not accessible or were of poor quality. Further studies will evaluate the effects of the promising farmscaping plants on the beneficial and pest insect communities in the field.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► We examine the effects of the nectar of three flowering plant species, sweet alyssum, buckwheat, and licorice mint, on the lifespan and body nutrient levels of the caterpillar parasitoid wasp, Microplitis croceipes. ► Buckwheat increases the lifespan of female and male wasps by at least two-fold relative to those provided water only. ► Buckwheat also increases the amount of body sugars and glycogen in the wasp. ► Females live longer than males on all diet treatments. ► Sweet alyssum and licorice mint are not good nectar sources for the wasp.
