The influence of food supply on the parasitoid against Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) on the longevity and fecundity of the pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Abstract

The influence of food supply on the parasitoid Cotesia plutellae regarding the survival and reproductive potential of a non-target pest, pea leafminer Chromatomyia horticola, was examined in the laboratory. The male longevity of the leafminer dramatically increased when sugar or honey was available. On the other hand, sugar- or honey-fed females lived shorter lives than those fed on the host plant. Lifetime copulation times of the males were increased by their food supply. The lifetime fecundity of a pair significantly increased sugar or honey was supplied. This phenomenon was mainly explained by the positive relationship between the fecundity and the copulation count of females. We discuss the risk of an additional food supply increasing the numbers of non-target pests.