Effect of host density, temperature, and photoperiod on the fitness of Anagyrus kamali, a parasitoid of the hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus

The peformance of the parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi [Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae], as a function of host density, temperature, and photoperiod was investigated with the objective to optimize a mass-rearing system in the context of a biological control program. The number of hosts parasitized at densities varying from 2-100 hibiscus mealybug (HMB), Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green [Homoptera: Pseudococcidae], corresponded to a type II-III functional response in fixed-time conditions and a type III in variable-time conditions. Twenty-six percent of the oviposited eggs led to progeny emergence with a sex ratio of 0.49 +/- 0.102 (M/F), regardless of host density. Fecundity and oviposition period under six abiotic combinations (i.e., two temperatures (26 +/- 2 degrees C and 32 +/- 2 degrees C) and three photoperiods (L0:D24, L12:D12, L24:D0)) were measured. Lifetime fecundity and reproductive life were significantly affected by temperature and photoperiod conditions. Optimum female parasitoid lifetime fecundity was attained at 26 +/- 2 degrees C, L0:D24 with an average of 116.1 +/- 17.43 eggs. At 32 +/- 2 degrees C, L24:D0 and L12:D12, an average of 79.4 +/- 34.57 and 85.8 +/- 35.81 eggs were laid, respectively. Reproductive longevity was maximal at 26 +/- 2 degrees C, L0:D24 with 12 +/- 4.85 days of oviposition. Because the parasite A. kamali can be reared optimally without light, this may save tremendous energy costs.